Digital inclusion drive empowers Shettleston residents to thrive online

More than 100 Shettleston residents have been given training on essential digital skills, thanks to Shettleston Does Digital, an initiative by East End charity Fuse Youth Café.

Designed to tackle digital exclusion, the programme offers tailored training and access to technology, helping participants gain essential IT skills. Delivered through an online learning portal, the programme is open to people of all ages and includes access to equipment, internet connectivity, and expert-led courses provided by Glasgow Kelvin College.

With a new £98,909 grant from the Building Digital Skills Fund – a partnership between the HFD Charitable Foundation and Virgin Money Foundation – Fuse Youth Café is expanding the Shettleston Does Digital initiative.

The funding is enabling staff to undergo specialised training, equipping them to deliver more tailored guidance to meet the unique needs of each participant. It will also support the programme’s continued growth, helping it reach more residents in the future.

According to the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation 2020, Shettleston north experiences the highest level of employment deprivation in the country. While many residents have internet access, some lack the confidence or knowledge to use digital tools for essential activities such as managing finances, shopping online, and staying connected with loved ones.

One participant, a 54-year-old man living with mental and physical health challenges, initially struggled to use technology, which left him feeling cut off from family and unable to access healthcare services. With one-on-one guidance from a digital inclusion worker, he received tailored support to build his confidence and skills.

The training enabled him to successfully complete a Scottish Welfare Fund application, addressing an urgent need in his life while empowering him to manage similar tasks independently in the future.

A 2024 survey of the scheme’s participants showed 95% reported increased confidence and motivation in using IT, and 81% reported a positive impact on their mental health and wellbeing. Overall, 106 individuals have benefited from the programme to date, underscoring its impact in enhancing online skills within the community.

Gerry Baldwin, CEO of Fuse Youth Café, said: “Thanks to the support from the Building Digital Skills Fund, we’ve been able to expand our services and equip individuals in our community with essential digital skills.

Whether it’s teaching someone to send their first email, helping a young person search for jobs online, or guiding someone through applying for benefits, we’ve seen lives genuinely change for the better. It’s not just about giving people the tools to participate in the digital world – it’s about giving them the confidence and independence to thrive.”

The Building Digital Skills fund builds on a successful partnership between the HFD Charitable Foundation and Virgin Money Foundation, which saw the Community Anchors’ Fund Glasgow deliver over £1 million to Glasgow-based community groups and charities between 2020-2023.

Lauren McKenzie, ambassador for the HFD Charitable Foundation, said: “The impact of the Shettleston Does Digital programme is truly inspiring – we’ve seen first-hand how tailored support can break down barriers and open up new opportunities for people.

For many, this isn’t just about technology; it’s about empowerment, connection, and self-belief. At the HFD Charitable Foundation, we’re incredibly proud to support this initiative, which is not only improving lives but also strengthening the sense of community in Shettleston.”

Nancy Doyle-Hall, executive director at the Virgin Money Foundation, added: “The results of Shettleston Does Digital speak for themselves. Digital exclusion impacts many aspects of a person’s life including their mental health.

The work that Fuse Youth Café is doing to provide bespoke support to develop people’s skills and confidence is meeting a significant need and we are proud to be supporting it.”.