A grant from the Supporting Communities Fund is helping the organisation to invest £9,750 in internet-ready tablets which can be borrowed and smartphones which will be gifted.

The Digital Support Fund can also be accessed by individuals and community groups in Easterhouse where WHA wants to help improve the lives of local people by giving them access to video calls with friends and family, online shopping, prescription services, accessing benefits online, job searches and online education.

The successful application which allowed the fund to be created was submitted by income advice officer Laura Reilly who is responsible for securing £2.4 million in financial gains for Wellhouse residents through her skills in income maximisation, advocacy and advice in her two years in the post. 

Darron Brown, WHA chair, said: “Life in lockdown has been difficult for all of us, but especially those who cannot connect with loved ones or access information and services on the internet.

“Seeing the faces of friends and family on smartphone or tablet screens can make a real difference to how people cope during this time and I would encourage anyone without a smart device in the Wellhouse and Easterhouse areas to sign up for our Digital Support Fund.

“There are so many benefits to being online and this fund will provide a lifeline to those who cannot afford an electronic device with internet access. We have also found some great online learning resources in case anyone needs help to use them effectively.

“Importantly, we hope this new stock will help as many of our shareholding residents as possible to attend our 2020 virtual AGM on 23 September.”