ACE IT Scotland receives £42,700 from Queensberry House Trust
ACE IT Scotland, an Edinburgh-based charity that helps older people to access the digital world, is celebrating after being awarded £42,700 in funding from Queensberry House Trust, which supports charities working with older people in the Lothians.
More older people than ever before will benefit from financial assistance from Queensberry House Trust which is celebrating 25 years of giving with an anniversary grants fund of £500,000.
This new funding will enable ACE IT to expand their services across Edinburgh and into Midlothian, engage meaningfully with more older people through focus groups, and target minority groups and non-English speakers. The funding starts this week and aims to support increased staff hours, a new Outreach Worker and to attract and retain more volunteers.
The Anniversary Awards attracted close to 70 applications. Focusing on making a lasting impact, Queensberry House Trust distributed £489,599 in charitable grants, to 16 charities and charitable partnerships working with aligned client groups in Edinburgh and the Lothians.
Iain Couper, manager at ACE IT Scotland said: “This funding gives us the stability and resource to grow our services. Having experienced a surge in demand for our digital skills coaching services, we have clear evidence that older people need the skills to get online and to do so safely, more than ever.
“We welcome this opportunity to build upon our 20 years of experience in this area and expand our services across the community to reach more people than ever before, empowering them to live with more independence using digital devices and online services.”
Rev Neil Gardner, Chairman and Trustee at Queensberry House Trust said: “As we look to a future with rising living and care costs, there is a critical need to support older people in our communities.
“The Queensberry House Trust 25th Anniversary Awards are an accessible opportunity for new funding to assist older people in the Lothians.
“We are delighted to be able to work with charities supporting those most in need at this challenging time.”
Arlene Raeburn, ACE IT learner, said about the help she received: “I would say to anyone, no matter what their skill level, that using ACE IT to become more IT proficient is an excellent way forward.
“I am grateful for the help and friendly advice I received from my volunteer tutor.”
To find out more visit www.queensberryhousetrust.org
To learn more about ACE IT and get involved, visit www.aceit.org.uk
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