Thurso group helps local people get online
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A Thurso charity has been helping local people during the coronavirus pandemic to get online by providing digital devices.
Thurso Community Development Trust (TCDT) still have a number of iPads and Chromebooks available for those that have been at risk of Covid-19 due to their age and health condition, or those that have had to shield.
Support in how to use the devices is also being provided by one of the group's three digital champions over a period of six months.
TCDT development manager Joan Lawrie explained that the group had applied for devices through Connecting Scotland, a Scottish Government programme set up in response to coronavirus.
"We still have a few devices left for anybody who wants to get in touch," she said.
"Are you a relative, friend, carer or do you know of someone who has been at risk of Covid-19 due to their age or a health condition or have been on the shielding list?
"Do you think that person if supported by one of our digital champions over a period of six months would see their life being improved if they can become digitally connected?"
The scheme provides iPads, Chromebooks and support to develop digital skills for people who are digitally excluded and on low incomes.
During the first phase focus was on those over the age of 70 who were at risk of isolation because they were shielding or in the group at higher risk of severe illness.
The development manger said they had helped a number of local elderly people who they were already supporting to become connected. Digital champions assisted them to become confident in using the devices for online shopping or video calls with friends and family living away.
Broadband problems are solved by providing a MiFi device with 12 months of mobile internet paid for, providing 20GB of data.
Launched on August 18, the second phase of the scheme is focused on households with children, single parents, pregnant women and care leavers up to the age of 26.
Members of the local group are keen to find out how many people would be interested in benefitting from the scheme before they make an application.
"I would like these people to get in touch to see how many I need to put in for," added Joan.
