Red Chair Highland - Newsletter - Jan 2024

Jan 2024

NEWSLETTER Red Chair Highland

IN THIS ISSUE Social Enterprise Awards 2023 Digital Lifelines Digital Drop-in Sessions Rural Outreach - Sutherland Rural Outreach - Glenurquhart

IN THIS ISSUE Allen Lane Ofcom - Making Sense of Media SIMs for Young Adults National Databank Community Engagement Lending Library Cyber Resilience Baillie Gifford

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Jan 2024

SOCIAL ENTERPRISE AWARDS 2023 We are thrilled to share some exciting news from Red Chair Highland! At the 2023 Social Enterprise Scotland Awards, held in October last year at the prestigious Scottish Parliament at Holyrood, Edinburgh, we proudly took home the Tech for Good Award.

This recognition is a testament to the dedication and impact of our team in harnessing technology for positive social change. Red Chair Highland has been at the forefront of leveraging digital solutions to address issues of digital exclusion here in the Highlands, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.

The award ceremony was a momentous occasion, bringing together leading voices in the social enterprise sector to acknowledge and celebrate organisations making a significant impact. Winning the Tech for Good Award not only validates our efforts but also inspires us to continue pushing the boundaries of innovation for social good.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our incredible team, dedicated partners, referrers, and the entire community that has supported us on this journey. Together, we are bridging the digital divide.

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Jan 2024

SOCIAL ENTERPRISE AWARDS UK 2023 In addition to our recent success at the Social Enterprise Scotland Awards, we are proud to announce that Red Chair Highland was also named a finalist in the esteemed Tech for Good category at the Social Enterprise Awards UK. This national recognition reinforces our commitment to leveraging technology for positive social impact on a broader scale. Being named finalists among a field of exceptional organisations is an honour. We are grateful for the acknowledgement and remain inspired to continue our mission of digital inclusion and empowerment.

DIGITAL LIFELINES In a new collaboration, Red Chair Highland and Apex Highland have joined forces to address a critical issue in our community — the intersection of technology, connectivity, and individuals at risk of drug harm. We are thrilled to announce the success of our joint project, made possible by a grant of £9650 from the Scottish Government and administered by SCVO. This initiative aims to provide 50 smartphones along with essential connectivity to individuals facing the challenges of drug harm. Recognising the pivotal role that technology plays in today's interconnected world, we believe that access to smartphones and reliable connectivity can be a lifeline for those navigating complex situations.

It's not just about smartphones; it's about empowerment. These devices open doors to vital resources, support networks, and opportunities for positive change. From accessing health services to connecting with support groups, the smartphones become tools for rebuilding lives and fostering resilience.

This partnership underscores our shared commitment to leveraging technology for social good. By addressing a pressing issue with innovation and compassion, we believe in the Anywhere St., Any City, ST 12345 potential for transformative change within our community. 123 Together, Red Chair Highland and Apex Highland are proud to contribute to a more connected, supportive, and empowered future. www.redchairhighland.scot

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Jan 2024

DIGITAL DROP-IN SESSIONS You may remember our digital drop-in session from last year. They were very popular and we met some lovely people, some of which have become regular learners at our digital hub.

We are pleased to announce we have been awarded a generous grant of £6878 from the National Lottery Community Fund Scotland to further our digital drop-in sessions. This funding is a testament to the shared belief in the transformative power of digital inclusion.

As part of this initiative, we are thrilled to collaborate with Inverness Foodstuff, a local free meal provider and foodbank.

Our digital drop-in sessions will coincide with lunch services at Hilton Community Centre and Ness Bank Church. These sessions not only provide valuable digital support but also integrate seamlessly into the community services provided by Inverness Foodstuff.

But that's not all! We're in the process of confirming two additional locations, extending the reach of our digital dropin sessions. Stay tuned!

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund Scotland and to Lottery players for their support in making our community stronger, connected, and digitally inclusive.

Our new website is now live! - www.redchairhighland.scot It is a work in progress and is still under construction but we would love it if you could come visit and see the progress we are making. You can meet the team, read testimonials and stay informed on our current and future projects

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Jan 2024

RURAL OUTREACH - SUTHERLAND Anne Duchess of Westminster Fund If you've been following us on social media, you might have noticed our endeavours in running rural digital outreach sessions last year. These sessions encompassed brief yet impactful workshops on Internet Safety, Scam Awareness, and Media Literacy.

Additionally, we offered drop-in support where learners could seek assistance with any challenges they encountered while navigating the internet or using their laptops, tablets, or smartphones.

We successfully completed four-week blocks of weekly sessions in Scourie, Kinlochbervie, Durness, Dornoch, Golspie and Tongue!

The enthusiastic response from participants has been truly heartening, motivating us to plan more sessions in the future. Special thanks to the Anne Duchess of Westminster Fund for providing the funding that made these sessions possible. We are very pleased with the positive impact of these sessions across Sutherland. .

Stay tuned for more updates and upcoming sessions in the future

Find us on facebook - www.facebook.com/RedChairHighland/ As we continue to flesh out our website, facebook is the best place to keep up to date with our current and upcoming projects. Details of our community outreach workshops, drop in sessions and much more!

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Jan 2024

RURAL OUTREACH - GLENURQUHART In addition to our rural outreach sessions in Sutherland, we received funding from Soirbheas and worked with them to bring our Internet Safety, Scam Awareness and Media Litercy sessions to Glenurquhart.

Our journey took us to the welcoming spaces of Cannich Village Hall and Drumnadrochit Village Hall, where the turnout exceeded our expectations.

A sincere thank you to everyone who participated!

Your enthusiasm and engagement are the driving force behind our commitment to digital inclusion.

Stay tuned for forthcoming updates, including details about potential dates and venues in the future. We're eager to broaden our reach and impact through these collaborative efforts

Find us on facebook - www.facebook.com/RedChairHighland/ As we continue to flesh out our website, facebook is the best place to keep up to date with our current and upcoming projects. Details of our community outreach workshops, drop in sessions and much more!

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Jan 2024

ALLEN LANE We're delighted to share the fantastic news that the Alen Lane Foundation has granted us £6120 to conduct 15 digital support sessions tailored for older adults within our local community.

This initiative aligns with our commitment to enhancing digital literacy and fostering inclusivity among older adults in the Highlands. Anticipating a blend of sessions at our digital hub and various community locations, we are currently finalising details on dates and venues. Stay connected with us on social media for upcoming announcements and further information.

OFCOM - MAKING SENSE OF MEDIA As our year long collaboration with Ofcom reaches its conclusion in March, we extend our sincere gratitude for their invaluable support.

The insights gained during this partnership have significantly enhanced our approach to digital inclusion and community engagement.

While this chapter concludes, the practices and methodologies learned will continue to shape our initiatives in the future. We are committed to applying these lessons to further empower individuals in our community, ensuring that the impact of digital literacy resonates well beyond the bounds of this project.

Our report will be published by Ofcom in the summer. We will share details when it is publicly available and post it to our website and socials. www.redchairhighland.scot

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Jan 2024

SIMS FOR YOUNG ADULTS We are fortunate to have been awarded a £6000 grant from Good Things Foundation's Digital Inclusion Impact Grant. This funding is dedicated to connecting and supporting young adults engaged in studies or on the path to employment.

Through this initiative, we will provide a 6month National Databank SIM card, offering unlimited calls, texts, and a generous 40GB of data. But that's not all — we're committed to complementing this connectivity with tailored digital support. Whether they're navigating their studies or embarking on the job hunt, we're here to empower these young adults on their digital journey.

In addition to providing SIM cards, we are excited to announce a series of four dynamic group employability workshops. These sessions will delve into crucial aspects of professional development, covering topics such as job applications, essential digital skills, and personalised CV assistance. Our aim is to equip young adults not only with connectivity but also with the knowledge and confidence to navigate the job market successfully.

This comprehensive approach reflects our commitment to fostering holistic growth and empowerment among the aspiring individuals we serve. If you or someone you know could benefit please get in touch.

Our new website is now live! - www.redchairhighland.scot It is a work in progress and is still under construction but we would love it if you could come visit and see the progress we are making. You can meet the team, read testimonials and stay informed on our current and future projects

www.redchairhighland.scot

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Jan 2024

NATIONAL DATABANK Here at the Red Chair Highland we are delighted to be a registered centre for the National Databank. A collaboration between Good Things Foundation and Virgin Media O2, The National Databank is giving free mobile data to people who can’t afford an internet connection.

Following a successful pilot, the National Databank is active and growing with both Vodafone and Three joining. We’re so pleased with the impact it has had so far. As the cost of living emergency continues, supporting people with their internet costs is absolutely essential. More info about the databank here www.goodthingsfoundation.org/databank We have gifted over 500 SIM cards as part of the National Databank! if you would like to refer someone you support, please do get in touch with us

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT DEVICES Our ongoing Highland Council funded Community Engagement Device Project continues to make a meaningful impact.

We've successfully allocated and distributed the majority of devices. With these devices we aim to bridge the digital divide for community members facing financial constraints in acquiring digital tools and connectivity. We're proud to contribute to a more digitally inclusive community, ensuring that no one is left behind in this digital age.

If you support someone that could benefit please don’t hesitate to reach out. We still have a small amount of devices left to allocate.

Our new website is now live! - www.redchairhighland.scot It is a work in progress and is still under construction but we would love it if you could come visit and see the progress we are making. You can meet the team, read testimonials and stay informed on our current and future projects

www.redchairhighland.scot

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Jan 2024

CHROMEBOOK LENDING LIBRARY Thanks to the generous support from the SCVO CCLD Fund, our Chromebook Lending Library is almost up and running.

This innovative program offers a 6-week trial period, allowing individuals to explore the capabilities of a Chromebook. This hands-on experience is a gateway to improved digital literacy and inclusion. Participants not only get to borrow a device but also have the opportunity to purchase a refurbished Chromebook at not for profit price, ensuring sustained access to the digital world.

Participants will also be invited to our hub for a set up session and ongoing support. If you know anyone who could benefit please get in touch. Stay tuned to our Facebook page or drop us an email - kirsty@redchairhighland.scot

Our new website is now live! - www.redchairhighland.scot It is a work in progress and is still under construction but we would love it if you could come visit and see the progress we are making. You can meet the team, read testimonials and stay informed on our current and future projects

www.redchairhighland.scot

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CYBER RESILIENCE WORKSHOPS

Jan 2024

With the support of an £8700 grant from Cyber Scotland, our Cyber Resilience Workshops are empowering individuals with the knowledge to navigate the digital landscape safely and confidently

These comprehensive workshops cover vital topics such as Online Safety, Scam Awareness, and Media Literacy.

Having successfully concluded sessions at Hilton Community Centre, we are busy planning more sets of workshops, soon to be rolled out across the community and at our digital hub.

Stay tuned for upcoming dates and venues as we continue our mission to build a digitally resilient community.

BAILLIE GIFFORD We're delighted to announce that the Baillie Gifford Foundation has generously granted us £1559 to distribute refurbished chromebooks, aimed at individuals facing significant disadvantage in the Highlands.

This funding allows us to acquire and distribute Chromebooks, providing a valuable lifeline to those in need. If you know someone who could benefit from this initiative, don't hesitate to get in touch. We're here to bridge the digital gap and empower our community through enhanced access to technology.

Find us on facebook - www.facebook.com/RedChairHighland/ As we continue to flesh out our website, facebook is the best place to keep up to date with our current and upcoming projects. Details of our community outreach workshops, drop in sessions and much more!

Our new website is now live! - www.redchairhighland.scot It is a work in progress and is still under construction but we would love it if you could come visit and see the progress we are making. You can meet the team, read testimonials and stay informed on our current and future projects

www.redchairhighland.scot

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Jan 2024

CONTACT US

58 Denny Street, Inverness IV2 3AR

Find us on facebook - www.facebook.com/RedChairHighland/

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