Get Connected, Get Ahead: Why Digital Inclusion Matters
- Mandy Burrell
- Oct 26
- 3 min read
Feeling left behind in our digital world? If you've ever felt overwhelmed by smartphones, struggled to apply for jobs online, or worried about missing out because you're not confident on the internet, you’re not alone. Get Online Week is a nationwide campaign running from 20-26 October 2025, which is dedicated to helping thousands of people just like you discover what the internet can do and build the confidence to use it.
Why Does Getting Online Matter?
Let's be honest, life in Hamilton, like everywhere else, has gone digital. From booking a doctor's appointment to managing your money, finding a better deal or even getting the next job interview, so much happens online now. And if you're not connected, you can feel like you're being left behind.
Across the UK, nearly one in four adults feel digitally excluded in some way, and income is the biggest factor where 44% of adults with household incomes under £10,000, identify as digitally excluded. Here in Scotland, around 700,000 people still can't access the internet and one in six Scottish adults report not having the basic digital skills needed for everyday life.
But here's what really matters, 90% of jobs are now only advertised online. That's not just statistics, that's real opportunities you might be missing out on. And it's not just about work. People without internet access can pay 50% more for their food shopping because they can't compare prices or access online deals. When money's already tight, that's a huge difference.
If you live in Hamilton and struggle with the cost of devices or data, or if you feel nervous about even switching on a computer, these figures reflect your experience. This isn't about being 'bad' with technology, it's about the financial and practical barriers that many in our community face.
What You Can Gain from Getting Online
Learning to use the internet isn't just about keeping up, it's about opening doors. Here's what other people have discovered when they crossed that digital divide:
Staying connected
83% of people say the internet helps them connect with friends and family. Whether it's video calls with grandchildren or just a quick message to check in, being online keeps you from feeling isolated.
Saving money
People with good digital skills save an extra £1,100 per year. That's not pocket change when you're watching your money.
Better opportunities
Managing your health
74% can use online tools to help manage their health, from booking appointments to accessing health information when you need it.
Taking That First Step
You don't need to transform into a tech wizard overnight. Even small steps count. Learning to send an email, searching for information, or understanding how to stay safe online.
If you're worried about cost, ask about social tariffs, only 3% of eligible people are claiming discounted internet deals they're entitled to. That could save you real money every month.
Don't have a device? Many programmes can help with that too. Organisations are increasingly lending tablets and providing devices to people who need them, recognising that digital support and skills training, can help people progress in education, work, and improve wider health outcomes.
You Don't Have to Figure It Out Alone
The Scottish Government's Connecting Scotland programme has been helping people get online since the pandemic, providing devices, connectivity, and most importantly, patient support to build your skills at your own pace.
In South Lanarkshire there are several services to help people get online and build their digital skills:
Hamilton Town House Library on 102 Cadzow Street offers free WiFi and an ActiveIT centre with PCs and Chromeboxes for free internet access plus digital-skills support.
The council offers support for digital skills via its Adult Literacy & Numeracy teams.
If you’re older or have a disability, you can get free assistance via AbilityNet, to help with digital skills or even set up computer and printer in your home.
You can use online courses at home for free. The Learn My Way platform from the Good Things Foundation, helps people gain confidence with their digital skills.
The Digital World Is For Everyone
Being digitally included isn't about age, education, or whether you're good with technology, it's about having the same chances as everyone else to access information, opportunities, and connections that make life easier and richer.
Whether you're in Hamilton or anywhere else in Scotland, support is available, and you deserve to benefit from what the online world has to offer, on your terms.
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