Why get online?
Being online can help with:
- Managing your health and being able to share experiences with people facing similar challenges
- Accessing social networks online for support, guidance and friendship
- Access to trusted information
- Saving money on household bills and services by comparing different providers
- Finding out what benefits/financial assistance you may be entitled to
- Applying for and managing benefit
- Attending virtual healthcare appointments
Where to get Digital Support
What sort of support is available?
The organisations listed provide support to develop skills and confidence in using digital devices, as well as directing you to places where a digital device can be accessed if you do not have one.
This includes support to:
- Stay safe on line
- Improve your skills and confidence
- Access your local library for digital support and devices
- Manage and apply for Benefits
- Link in with Near Me video appointments
- Use other online health and social care platforms, e.g. NHS Inform
Digital access can benefit other aspects of your life e.g. online shopping, banking and staying in touch with friends and/or family.
How to access support
Libraries
Libraries are places in communities to find trusted health and wellbeing information. The opening hours for libraries can be found on your Local Authority website.
Connecting Scotland
- Information and support on:
- Choosing a device
- Setting up a device and using the internet
- Advice on cheapest broadband providers
Website: Connecting Scotland – Citizens
Local Authority areas
Glasgow
The Free Digital Support Helpline is available for anyone needing digital support. Contact them at:
Phone: 0800 158 3974
Website: Glasgow Life – Digital Skills
Renfrewshire
Renfrewshire libraries are able to offer digital support. Contact them at:
Phone: 0300 300 1188
Email: libraries@renfrewshire.gov.uk
Website: Renfrewshire Libraries
East Renfrewshire
Contact the Community Hub:
Phone: 0141 876 9555
Email: hello@va-er.org.uk
Website: East Renfrewshire Community Hub
Inverclyde
West Dunbartonshire
Contact Community Learning & Development:
Phone: 01389 738775
East Dunbartonshire
East Dunbartonshire libraries are able to offer digital support. Contact them at:
Phone: 0141 777 3143
Email: libraries@eastdunbarton.gov.uk
Discover Digital – Support for Health, Care and Wellbeing
The Alliance ( the national third sector intermediary for health and social care) produced this guide to support people to develop their skills, knowledge and confidence in using digital tools to support Health and Wellbeing.
Talking about trust in digital health
The Mhor Collective have produced a video to help you understand trust and safety when using a digital health website.
Find out more about the Mhor Collective and the human rights approach to digital health:
How to save money on digital services
Broadband Social tariffs
With the cost of living hitting hard, many people are looking at ways to save money.
Social tariffs are cheaper broadband packages that are affordable to people on low incomes.
If you are claiming Universal Credit, Pension Credit and some other benefits, you may be able to get cheaper broadband.
If your provider offers this it is free to switch and the price won’t go up mid contract.
The Office of Communications has a page dedicated to social tariffs which include pricing examples, with social tariffs starting from £12 per month with a line rental included.
Click the link below to see if your provider offers a social tariff and how to apply for this.
Cheaper broadband and phone packages – Ofcom
If you do not currently have Broadband or a Digital device, your local Library offers free Wi-Fi and many have devices you can use.
The National Databank and Device Banks
The Good Things Foundation are a charity whose one aim is to fix the digital divide for good.
There are 3 aspects that help the Good Things Foundation to deliver this:
- National Device Bank– This is delivered through community partners and provides a refurbished device alongside mobile internet access. More information can be found here:National Device Bank – Good Things Foundation
- National Data Bank – This is provides free mobile data, texts and calls to people in need via the Good Things Foundation network of local community partners, in partnership with Virgin Media 02, Vodafone and Three. This is like a ‘food bank’ but for internet connectivity data. More information ca be found here: National Databank – Good Things Foundation
- Network – This is made up of thousands of community partners across the UK. They help people gain the support and skills they need to change their lives and overcome social challenges. More information can be found here: Our network – Good Things Foundation
Near me – Video Consultation Service
Many of us used video calling on our phones, tablets and laptops during the Covid-19 pandemic to keep in touch with friends and relatives. You can now also attend some health care appointments in the same way.
Near me is a video consulting service that enables you to attend some health care appointments from the comfort and convenience of home or other suitable location. The technology is safe and secure and is being used by many of our services. Near me is for pre-arranged appointments and your health care professional will provide you with the relevant information if a video consultation is offered.
Why use Near Me?
There are many benefits to video consultations including:
· No travelling time, parking worries or public transport issues
· No fares required for travelling
· Being in your own home is more relaxing than a clinic environment
· Less time out of your day
· Easier to have a family member or carer attend with you
· Reduced exposure to inclement weather
· Reduced exposure to infectious diseases
How do I use Near Me?
To use Near Me you will need a reliable internet connection; broadband or 3G/4G, and a suitable device for making video calls such as a smartphone, tablet, laptop or computer with webcam and speaker
Please use a WiFi connection for your call whenever possible. We want to make you aware that a 20 minute consultation will use approximately 230MB of mobile data. If you are on a limited mobile data plan this may cause you to exceed your permitted usage allowance.
The service is best accessed using the Google Chrome web browser on a PC or Safari on Mac (webcam required), or on an Android or Apple smartphone. You can find more information on the Near me website including how to make a test call.
What services can I access?
Many of our hospital and outpatient services are now using Near Me. Your GP services will also be able to offer you a Near Me appointment.
Your health care professional or clinician will advise you when your appointment is being arranged.
What if I don’t have a digital device and/or broadband and can’t access Near Me at home?
There are some Libraries across the Board area where a private room is available for Near Me. This will be rolling out further this year and an updated list of available Libraries can be found here.
Patients in and around Johnstone can now book a ‘Near Me’ space for virtual video consultation at Johnstone Library by phoning 0300 300 1188.
Near Me is used across NHSGGC and Johnstone Library provides a safe alternative to home and can support people at risk of digital exclusion. Patients have access to a private and confidential space with Library staff available to support patients with digital literacy needs.
Johnstone Library provides a venue for ‘Near Me’ which allows patients to access the help they need without having to travel a significant distance from home.
What our staff and service users have said about Near Me
Our Podiatry service has been using Near me and has produced an evaluation of the experiences of patients and staff summarised in this infographic (pdf)