Get Connected, Get Ahead: Why Digital Inclusion Matters

Feeling left behind in our increasingly digital world? If you've ever felt overwhelmed by smartphones, struggled to fill in an online form, worried about scams, or found it difficult to apply for jobs online because you're not confident on the internet, you’re certainly not the only one.

Get Online Week, organised by the Good Things Foundation, runs from the 19th to 25th October this year, and is the UK's largest digital inclusion campaign, helping thousands of people discover the benefits of being online and build the confidence and skills they need to use the internet safely.

Why Does Getting Online Matter?

Life in Hamilton, like everywhere else, has become increasingly digital. From searching for jobs and managing money, finding cheaper deals and keeping in touch with family, being able to use the internet can make everyday life easier. And if you're not connected, you can feel like you're being left behind.

But not everyone has the same opportunities to benefit.

According to the Good Things Foundation, around 8.5 million people in the UK face isolation because they lack basic digital skills or access. In Scotland, around 1 in 11 households still don't have internet access, while around 1 in 6 adults lack the foundation-level digital skills needed.

90% of jobs are only advertised online, while more than a quarter of people aren't confident using the internet to compete for jobs. That's real opportunities people might be missing out on. And it's not just about work. Being online can make it easier to compare prices, find better deals and manage your money. Research from Lloyds Bank found that 98% of confident internet users say being online has saved them time or money.

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

Here's what other people have discovered when they crossed that digital divide:

Staying connected

82% of people supported by the Good Things Foundation 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 can help us stay connected and feel less isolated.

Saving money

People with well developed digital skills save four times more often and around £1,100 more a year, on average, than those with the lowest digital skills.

Better opportunities

74% of people receiving digital inclusion support say it has given them better opportunities for learning or employment. Whether it's applying for jobs, accessing training or learning something new, having the right digital skills can open up opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach.

Managing your health

74% of people receiving digital inclusion support say they can use online tools to help manage their health, from accessing health information to using online health services when they need them.

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 costs of getting online, ask about social tariffs, 70% of eligible households don't know these cheaper broadband deals exist. If you receive Universal Credit, Pension Credit or certain other benefits, you could qualify.

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.

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 has an ActiveIT Learning Centre offering free internet and Wi-Fi, with PCs and Chromeboxes available to use.

  
  

• South Lanarkshire Council has a postcode search to help you find free internet access and digital support near you, including local libraries and community venues.

• If you'd like to improve your skills, the council's Community Based Adult Learning service provides free learning opportunities, including support to use smartphones, tablets and computers, set up email accounts and complete online forms.

  
  

• 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

Digital inclusion is about having a fair chance to access the information, services, savings, opportunities and connections that make life easier and richer.

If you're nervous about getting online, haven't got the right device or simply don't know where to start, asking for help using the links in this article can be your first step.

It's never too late to learn something new and you can do it at your own pace.

An older gentleman learning how to use a computer in the local library, South Lanarkshire, Scotland.