Jason Ross

The housing association has launched its “Connecting with Thenue” initiative to strengthen its efforts to help tenants get online.

Newly-appointed staff member Jason Ross has taken up his post and is busy connecting with customers in the new project.

Thenue has, for many years now, placed great emphasis in improving the digital capability of its tenants to enhance job prospects, tackle isolation and generally make life easier for thousands of people.

It has committed much staff time, obtained considerable amounts of funding and devoted its own financial resources to digital inclusion over the past decade as the pace of digital change has quickened.

The new initiative is funded through the Scottish Government’s “Connecting Scotland” project which is administered by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations. In addition, Thenue has contributed £3000 and the project is in place until February 2025 when renewed efforts will be made to secure funding to allow it to continue.

Jason Ross is currently working with tenants to support them with various digital needs including shopping online, banking, employment, using YouTube and generally assisting on internet use.

Jason said: “Connecting with online services using your mobile device or computer can be very convenient for some but what about those who either don’t have the resources, or do but just don’t know where to begin.

“We’re here to make that process easy to understand and useful via informal group sessions, one-to-one digital opportunities for people who have a mobile phone, tablet or laptop and who need a helping hand or are eager to understand modern technology but feel left behind.”

“Connecting Scotland” supports organisations, individuals and communities with improved access to devices, connectivity and skills support.

Describing ”Connecting Scotland”, the Scottish Government commented: “Now, more than ever, having access to the internet can be a lifeline. Connecting Scotland’s vision is to create digital opportunity for everyone in Scotland. It aims to ensure that everyone in Scotland has access to digital services by providing them with an opportunity to confidently access devices, connectivity, skills and support. This will be achieved in collaboration with partners in the public, private and voluntary sectors.”

Jason has already been working with Thenue’s “Area Associations” –residents-led groups affiliated to the housing association in some of the communities where Thenue has its homes such as Castlemilk, Cranhill and Bridgeton & Dalmarnock.

Gary Naylor, chief executive of Thenue, added: “We are pleased to be playing our part in the Connecting Scotland initiative. It is an inescapable aspect of modern life that engaging digitally is increasingly important and Thenue has a strong track record in helping our tenants embrace this over the last few years and aid in them accessing services in this way.

“However, we also understand that as a housing association we must ensure that access to face-to-face contact with our customers remains an unshakeable commitment, now and into the future.”