Digital Lifelines Scotland

Project impact

5,502 people supported with digital access and skills

3,044 devices and 3,845 connectivity packages distributed

£1.5m in grant funding to 35 organisations across Scotland

Digital Lifelines Scotland improves digital inclusion and designs digital solutions to reduce harm and deaths among people who use drugs. Managed by DHI and funded by the Scottish Government, the programme provides access to devices, connectivity, skills, and confidence, strengthening services and sector collaboration.

Digital Lifelines Scotland (DLS) is a partnership programme launched in April 2021 to improve digital inclusion and design digital solutions that reduce harm and deaths among people who use drugs. Funded by the Scottish Government’s Drugs Policy Division and managed by DHI with SCVO and Simon Community Scotland, the programme gives people access to devices, connectivity, skills, and confidence to stay connected and safe.

It also strengthens the digital capacity of frontline services and fosters collaboration across the sector. By 2025, DLS has supported thousands of people across Scotland, delivered national training and digital inclusion resources, and demonstrated how technology can complement harm reduction and wellbeing support.

Summary

Digital Lifelines Scotland improves digital inclusion and designs digital solutions to reduce harm and deaths among people who use drugs. Managed by DHI and funded by the Scottish Government, the programme provides access to devices, connectivity, skills, and confidence, strengthening services and sector collaboration.

An independent 2025 evaluation found that DLS has made a measurable positive impact - helping people get online, build digital skills, engage with support services, reduce isolation, and stay safe. Services have improved how they deliver and coordinate support, and the sector is now more connected and digitally confident.

DLS has become a national example of how digital inclusion can strengthen public health outcomes and contribute to Scotland’s mission to reduce drug-related harms. The programme continues to share learning through the Digital Inclusion Playbook and its sustainability and training initiatives.

Impact & value

Since its launch in 2021, Digital Lifelines Scotland has delivered tangible, measurable impact across Scotland. The programme has supported 5,502 people to get online and build digital skills, upskilled 518 staff and volunteers, and distributed 3,044 devices with 3,845 connectivity packages.

Through funding 35 partner organisations, DLS has promoted innovation and learning across communities, delivering 24 peer learning sessions and co-developing 3 digital solutions focused on harm reduction and wellbeing.

Recognition of its success came in 2025, when DLS was named the winner of the Holyrood Digital Health and Care Award for Digital Inclusion, highlighting its role in shaping inclusive, person-led digital transformation across Scotland.

Progress to date

Phase 3 (2025–2026) focuses on embedding digital inclusion at the system level through a Place-Based Digital Inclusion Fund supporting East Ayrshire ADP and Angus ADP. The phase aims to strengthen collaboration, integrate person-led digital services, and develop a DLS Sustainability Strategy and Digital Inclusion Playbook for national adoption.