Scottish Government Commits £783K to Keep Digital Lifelines Running for Vulnerable Scots

A Scottish initiative aimed at saving lives through digital support just got a big vote of confidence — and a fresh cash injection — from the government. Digital Lifelines Scotland, which helps people who use drugs stay safe and connected, will get £783,150 to keep its work going next year.

Started back in 2021, the programme has become a quiet lifeline for thousands who’d otherwise slip through the cracks. With overdose deaths still among the highest in Europe, some say this digital thread is more vital than ever.

Funding Boost Brings Fresh Hope

The latest funding package isn’t pocket change. It shows ministers are, basically, putting their money where their mouth is.

In a statement, Professor Margaret Whoriskey MBE, who heads Innovation for Care & Wellbeing at the Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI), didn’t mince her words. She called it “a testament to the impact of Digital Lifelines, and the contribution of all delivery partners.”

She’s not wrong. Just last year, an independent report by Figure 8 Consultancy found the project was making a real dent — not just ticking boxes.

More than £3.2 million was sunk into the project’s first phase. And since then, it’s only grown. The new cash, confirmed for 2025/26, could keep the good work flowing into 2027 — if ministers keep signing the cheques.

Digital Lifelines Scotland programme beneficiaries

Reaching People Where They Are

So, what does “digital lifeline” actually mean? Turns out, it’s more than just handing out a phone and waving goodbye.

In Scotland, where rural isolation and patchy signal are daily headaches, having a working device — plus the skills and confidence to use it — can literally keep someone alive. Imagine trying to call a support worker or even an ambulance without one.

One line from the report really hits: “significant results show improvements in digital inclusion, access to services, wellbeing, and harm reduction.” Simple words, big meaning.

And let’s not forget the scale. Since launch, Digital Lifelines Scotland has:

  • Supported 5,502 people across the country

  • Distributed 3,044 digital devices

  • Trained 518 staff and volunteers to help others get online

Those numbers aren’t just statistics — they’re lives with new chances.

What the Frontline Looks Like

On the ground, it’s grassroots charities making this work click. Organisations like Simon Community Scotland and the Scottish Council of Voluntary Organisations have stepped up as core partners.

These folks know better than anyone that digital exclusion and drug misuse often go hand-in-hand. You might think, ‘Oh, everyone has a smartphone these days.’ Well, think again.

People living with addiction are more likely to lose devices, have them stolen, or just not have the confidence to use them safely. One wrong click could put them in danger.

This is why training matters just as much as the tech. It’s no good giving someone a tablet if they’re terrified to switch it on. That’s where the 518 staff and volunteers come in, turning a chunk of plastic into a bridge to friends, family, and help.

Why Digital Still Matters in 2025

It’s easy to roll your eyes and wonder why we’re still talking about digital skills in 2025. But here’s the thing — for Scotland’s most vulnerable people, being offline can be a death sentence.

Look at the stats: Scotland’s drug death rate remains stubbornly high. People who feel cut off are more at risk. Digital Lifelines plugs them back in, literally and figuratively.

One small paragraph: It’s not rocket science — it’s compassion plus Wi-Fi.

This year’s funding lands alongside bigger efforts to tackle harm reduction more broadly. Naloxone kits, drug-checking services, and new treatment centres are all part of the mix. But Digital Lifelines sits in that sweet spot between tech and trust.

Impact So Far: Hard Numbers

How does this look on a spreadsheet? Let’s break it down:

Metric Total Achieved (2021–2025)
People Supported 5,502
Devices Distributed 3,044
Staff/Volunteers Trained 518
Partner Organisations 35
Funding Rounds 6

One line alone: Those 35 partner groups prove this isn’t just a top-down effort.

The independent review praised the project’s reach — small local charities have been able to tailor help to the people who know them best. That’s trust you can’t manufacture.

What’s Next for Digital Lifelines?

The fresh £783K keeps the lights on for another year. But is that enough? Some folks worry that this type of funding can dry up just when it’s most needed.

Professor Whoriskey and her team hope the next two years will see even bigger wins. They want more people trained. More devices handed out. More confidence built.

And more lives saved — simple as that.

For the people behind the project, this is about more than tech. It’s about giving people a sense of control again. A chance to pick up the phone and say, “I need help.” Or maybe just, “Hi, how are you?”

Seems small — but it’s everything.

By Chris Muir

Chris Muir is a talented SEO analyst and writer at Cumbernauld Media. With a deep passion for all things related to search engine optimization, Chris brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the team. Specializing in improving website visibility and driving organic traffic, Chris utilizes cutting-edge SEO techniques to propel websites to the top of search engine rankings. Through meticulous keyword research, on-page optimization, and strategic link building, Chris helps businesses of all sizes achieve their online goals.

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