The programme has positively impacted digital inclusion by improving people's access to digital tools and services.

This year the Digital Health and Social Care (DHSC) Programme achieved funding through the ‘Connecting to Care’ fund, to develop a one-year Digital Links Project (DLP). This project works in partnership with the Glasgow Community Links Worker Programme as well as working closely with Discover Digital (DD). DLP and DD work simultaneously to address digital exclusion, improve digital skills and provide signposting and support to access digital tools and services. Since the project started in May, DLP already works with twenty-eight people, providing them with devices and data giving them the means to access digital services but also one to one support from the programme throughout the year to create and develop digital skills and confidence.  

In January, DD published its findings from the ‘Discovery’ small grants programme. Findings echoed previous learning, with much work needed around digital skills for the workforce and the need for access to technology/digital services to be supported, user-friendly and secure. DD launched its workshops/ roadshow activity last year to empower frontline staff and communities and in February 2024 it shared the learning and outcomes from this work. Ninety-eight percent of those who completed the workshop training stating the content and delivery was pitched at the correct level and was easy to understand. We are continuously looking at new ways to raise awareness of digital tools that promote health and wellbeing- this year we have done this via #TryAToolTuesday and the DD Guide is now available via the Right Decision Service. We also shared our learning from our ‘Enabler grants’ and DD continues to deliver workshops, presentations and roadshows. 

A large focus of this year’s work for DD has been working with the DLP, building a peer network and liaising with primary care. The project has been liaising with practice managers offering frontline staff training and has delivered two drop-in sessions for patients who are needing support to utilise the online appointment and online prescription booking system. The project will continue to work with deep end practices across Glasgow and has developed a resource of digital tools and services, for staff and people to refer to. This has been welcomed by the other projects which are funded by Connecting to Care so is being utilised nationally. 


The Digital Citizen Panel’s membership has grown to 148 and continues to influence digital service design and improvement. This year the panel has been crucial in the NHS inform, aiding stakeholders to better understand people’s awareness, experience and aspirations for NHS Inform and identify priorities for improvement. Some panel members have completed a DD learning programme which has enhanced their knowledge, but also their confidence. These members are now skilled and empowered to participate in external events, our 2024 DigiFest event and took the lead on our Digital Telephone Switchover ALLIANCE Live, which shared information and support to vulnerable groups.  


The DHSC programme supports transformational change by championing our digital human rights and supporting innovative work like the ‘No Need to Fall’ collaboration and Research Together. 

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