CALLUM’ S STORY
in social isolation, improved wellbeing and enhanced harm‐reduction outcomes.
Service users reported that digital connectivity made them feel safer, more valued, and better able to maintain contact with supportive networks. Evaluators also noted strong evidence of improved person‐centred service delivery, with individuals expressing a strengthened sense of connection, belonging and personal responsibility, facilitated by digital tools. This feedback reinforces Digital Lifelines’ core premise – that meaningful digital access is now inseparable from effective harm‐reduction activities in Scotland.
WORKFORCE SKILLS A further sign of success lies in how DLS has equipped frontline workers and organisations – more than 500 staff and volunteers have received digital inclusion training, helping practitioners integrate digital tools confidently into support provision. This capacity‐building element has enhanced service responsiveness and the ability to maintain contact with individuals at risk, as well as sector‐wide collaboration on digital approaches.
Digital solutions developed through the programme have enabled organisations to deliver safer, more flexible support, particularly important for people who face stigma or life circumstances that can hinder traditional service access. The programme’ s wider system impact is evidenced through:
» Joined‐up digital approaches across sectors, supporting cross‐organisational learning
» Significant contributions to national harm‐reduction priorities
» The embedding of digital practice into health and social care pathways
STRONG OUTCOMES Comprehensive evaluations, such as the Digital Lifelines Scotland Evaluation 2025 by Figure 8 Consultancy, and Drugs Research Network Scotland’ s assessment of the first two years, have shaped the design of the current phase 3 of the programme. These consistently emphasised the programme’ s strong outcomes and its potential for scalable, long‐term impact. Ongoing impact reports produced by SCVO also show that DLS has been effective at reaching groups and areas previously underserved by digital inclusion initiatives.
A pivot towards system and sector level impact has been adopted for phase 3, working with some of Scotland’ s alcohol and drug partnerships( ADPs) to help facilitate change. DLS continues to explore opportunities with suppliers and developers who are innovating in this still somewhat immature marketplace – alongside addiction-specific and overdose detection products is an enthusiasm to introduce people to the advantages of the digital world, reducing their fears and increasing their skills and confidence.
CALLUM’ S STORY
Callum has faced significant challenges, including substance use, homelessness, and untreated bipolar disorder. However, access to digital tools through the Digital Lifestyles programme has been a game changer. With a tablet and Wi-Fi router he could engage in online learning, focusing on psychology and mental health. These resources have helped him reconnect with his ambitions for further education and a career.
Digital access also enabled Callum to connect with online recovery communities – where he found essential emotional support – while virtual recovery meetings and workshops have helped him stay focused, offering flexibility when attending in-person meetings was challenging.‘ I feel truly supported and understood here,’ he says.‘ You guys look at me as a human, not just my addiction. It’ s given me the tools to rebuild my life, and I’ m now volunteering and supporting other people.’
By integrating digital resources with therapeutic interventions such as motivational interviewing and mental health support, Callum received tailored, comprehensive care. This approach kept him engaged in his recovery, education and volunteer work, supporting his personal growth and community involvement.
CONTINUED FUNDING The Scottish Government’ s decision to allocate funding for 2025-26 demonstrates strong confidence in the programme’ s achievements and future direc tion. After a competitive application process, funds were awarded to East Ayrshire and Angus ADPs – both have been exploring how digital zones and‘ Well-Bean’ recovery cafes hosted and developed by trusted community partners can improve access to digital support. In both locations the intention is to improve communications and collaboration between the many services supporting people who use drugs to better integrate services.
It’ s anticipated that further funding for 2026-27 will be confirmed this month, and senior government and sector leaders have publicly affirmed the programme’ s life‐saving potential, describing DLS as‘ a powerful example of how innovation and compassion can come together
DHI’ s conference, CONNECTING FOR IMPACT, is on 18 March in Edinburgh. Register at https:// www. dhi-scotland. com / event-details / or use the QR code. to save lives’. The programme has also been recognised nationally, winning at the Holyrood Connect Digital Health and Care Awards in the digital Inclusion category, as well as being shortlisted for several other awards.
Across its first five years, Digital Lifelines Scotland has established itself as a transformative programme with demonstrable impact at personal, service, and system levels. Through improved digital access, stronger support networks, enhanced workforce capability, and evidence‐driven innovation, DLS has contributed meaningfully to Scotland’ s efforts to reduce drug‐related harm and death.
The programme’ s expanding reach, strong evaluations and ongoing government investment position it as a vital component of Scotland’ s national digital inclusion and public health landscape.
Alan Connor is portfolio lead at the Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre( DHI)
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