Big Hearts helps adults to improve their digital skills

Big Hearts helps adults to improve their digital skills

Big Hearts, the charity arm of Heart of Midlothian FC, announced the launch of ‘Go Digital’ – a new project designed to improve the digital skills of adults most at risk of social isolation.

It is estimated that 800,000 people in Scotland do not have essential digital skills, which makes them more likely to be facing various forms of inequality. Big Hearts ‘Go Digital’ will run at Tynecastle Stadium over a 12 month period thanks to a £8,276 support from SCVO (Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations) Digital Charter Fund. A team of Volunteer Digital Champions will engage with a range of vulnerable people across Big Hearts’ programmes, including older Hearts fans and Kinship Carers.

The team will access IT equipment and dedicated training to help these people learn how to use online tools and platforms that will make their life easier. The support will be adapted to each person’s needs and could include online shopping, booking transport, online banking, entertainment (iPlayer, Netflix, Spotify), sending an email or Skyping a family member. Big Hearts is launching an appeal to every Supporter who would like to get involved in the project and help improve the lives of people through the use of technology.

Family-focused strategy

The new programme is part of the clubs and charity’s philosophy to support all generations within the communities by leading, coordinating and facilitating meaningful activities where need is identified. Big Hearts Community Trust is dedicated to deliver an ambitious family-focused strategy. It reaches out to the most vulnerable families and individuals, including ‘hidden’ groups.