Closing tomorrow: Connecting Scotland 'fast-track' allocations process

Posted Wednesday 4th August by Admin User

Social housing providers are eligible to submit applications for Connecting Scotland’s fast-track process. 

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Connecting Scotland has been inviting ‘fast-track’ applications from organisations that are working with people at risk of social isolation and loneliness. The fast-track process launched on Monday 14 June and will close on Friday 6 August at 17:00. 

Connecting Scotland is a Scottish Government programme, set up to tackle digital exclusion during the coronavirus pandemic. It is delivered with the support of local councils, SCVO and a wide range of organisations from across Scotland and the UK.    

There will be two options:

  • small applications of up to 10 devices for any voluntary or public sector organisation/team to apply for
  • applications of up to 100 devices, targeted at social housing providers.  

The criteria for the fast-track applications will be:  

  • digitally excluded – no access to an appropriate device and/or internet connection 

  • low income – cannot afford to purchase an appropriate device and/or pay for an internet connection

  • at risk of social isolation and loneliness.   

Connecting Scotland has three priority target groups:  

  • older people  

  • people with disabilities  

  • single parents   

Applications may also be accepted for other people, where strong evidence of a risk of social isolation is provided. 

Further information on the process and elibigily is available here. 

How to apply: 

Interested applicants can apply here.   

Applicants will be asked for: 

  • Information about the those receiving support: what are their needs and what difference will it make to have access to a device and internet connection? Names or specific personal data is not required at this stage but must be provided within 14 days of receiving the devices. 

  • Details about how you currently work with these people and how you will support them to get the most from their devices and connectivity as part of this work.

  • The number of devices (Chromebooks or iPads) and internet connections (mobile Wi-Fi) you would like to apply for. 

Applications will be assessed on a weekly basis, and the aim is to notify applicants of the outcome within 14 days of submission. 

A maximum of 5,000 devices will be distributed through the fast-track application process.