Edinburgh based charity Tap Into IT have secured an unrestricted grant totalling £40,000 over 2 years from Bank of Scotland Foundation’s funding programme, Energise.
Started in 2012, Tap into IT exists to enable within Edinburgh older people and those with disabilities to stay socially connected and involved by providing patient, person-centred and accessible digital support that reduces anxiety and builds confidence in using modern technology.
We target the estimated 21,000 adults over 75 in Edinburgh who remain offline and the high proportion of those online who have limited digital skills and confidence. We support those who are, or at risk of becoming isolated due to limited mobility, cognitive impairments such as dementia and the risk of exclusion as essential services move exclusively online.
We deliver our services ‘where people are’, familiar community locations or their own homes, removing barriers to access and of anxiety.
Through a blend of small-group sessions and one-to-one home visits, we build the skills and confidence and provide the support necessary to navigate the modern world. As part of our support, we help individuals customise their technology—such as utilising voice-activated services—to bypass physical or cognitive barriers. The impact is transformative.
Mike Ellis, the Executive Director at Tap Into IT said “This generous grant from the Bank of Scotland will enable us to better pursue our existing growth strategy and help bridge the ‘digital divide’ which can exclude older people from online services.
“The need for this is growing and increasingly access to the digital domain is a necessity, not just a convenience. We are encouraged that the Bank of Scotland has recognised the value of our work, and the potential we have.”
Donald MacKechnie, Chair of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees said, “We are delighted to award Tap Into IT with £40,000 of funding.
“The cost-of-living crisis means many charities are struggling with increasing expenditure, at a time when the demand for their services is as great as ever. Our grant awards will help charities through the challenging months ahead.”
Since 2010, the Bank of Scotland Foundation through their Grant Programmes and Matched Giving Programme for Lloyds Banking Group colleagues in Scotland, have provided over £50 million to more than 2,900 charities, supporting a wide ecosystem of charities delivering vital local services, advice and personal support.
Together, these charities provide help at significant scale – supporting people at different points in their lives, often through more than one service.
Over time, this collective and sustained support has touched the lives of hundreds of thousands, demonstrating both the breadth and depth of impact made possible through their funding
For more information about Bank of Scotland Foundation and its grant programmes, please visit www.bankofscotlandfoundation.org