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Our Work

Since the programme began in 2021, we have come a long way. 

In 2025, an independent evaluation found that:

 

"the DLS programme has has had a positive impact - it has helped more people get online and develop digital skills, made it easier for them to engage with support services, improved their wellbeing by reducing isolation, and provided new ways to stay safe and reduce immediate risks of harm.  These changes show how digital inclusion can be a powerful tool to support people with problem drug use, complementing Scotland's National Mission to reduce drug-related harms."​

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The DLS phase 2 evaluation in 2025 also recommended a:

 

"call for a collective effort to embed digital inclusion into the fabric of support for people who use drugs.  Organisations need to lead with strategy and resources, practitioners need to implement with compassion and creativity, and individuals should be empowered and involved.  The evaluation shows that when these pieces  come together, digital lifelines can truly help save lives and build brighter futures.  The task is now to maintain and expand on these gains - making sure that digital lifelines remain strong long after the initial programme, so that everyone in Scotland, regardless of their circumstances, can benefit from the opportunities of the digital age."

Digital Lifelines Conference, Teamwork

Phase 3

Building on our success to date, the current phase has re-focussed on the 'sector' level of our original tripartite "people, services, sector" objective.  Seeking opportunities and insight to embed and sustain change in the system supporting people who use drugs.

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Digital Lifelines Scotland launched the latest phase in April 2025: A Place-Based Digital Inclusion Fund, which supports East Ayrshire Alcohol and Drug Partnership and Angus Alcohol and Drug Partnership to deliver local digital inclusion initiatives.

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Phase 3 aims to:

  • Design and apply integrated service models with digital support

  • Improve access through person-led and rights-based services

  • Capture learning that can influence ADP delivery and national approaches

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The programme's Digital Inclusion model includes access to a Digital Inclusion Playbook gathering together good practice for adoption across Scotland.  Bespoke Digital Harm Reduction Training is delivered through SCVO partners Mhor Collective and adapts and evolves with each new participant.

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During Phase 3, Simon Community will lead on developing a DLS Sustainability Strategy offering insights to cost effective purchasing of devices and connectivity.  Highlighting exisiting social tariffs and data banks offering low-cost, sometimes free, sims and data options.

Hear what people have said about Digital Lifelines work and why the focus on embedding practice is so important

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