The East Ayrshire Digital Access Network (EA DAN) is made up of representatives of local and national organisations that work together to close the digital and data divide in East Ayrshire by providing access to an appropriate device, connectivity, and training and support to improve digital skills.
The EA DAN was founded to create equal access to the internet and technology to allow people to effectively participate in social and economic activities.
It supports local authority, private and third-sector collaboration to improve digital access, confidence, education and employment opportunities and social inclusion within communities. The members deliver digital opportunities to our communities via workshops, events and tailored programmes, including the delivery of targeted sessions to digitally excluded groups.
Organisations who support the EA DAN group
The organisations below may be able to provide digital skills and support, device access and connectivity. Please see the links below for further details:
Meetings
Organisations within the EA DAN meet quarterly on Microsoft Teams. The meetings are chaired by the Director of Housing, at Shire Housing. Members have the opportunity to discuss and share what’s going on with the digital environment in the local area and hear from a guest Spotlight Speaker to introduce or update members on available opportunities, projects and initiatives.
Measuring success
East Ayrshire Council, on behalf of the EA DAN, has signed the Digital Poverty Alliance’s Charter for Digital Inclusion - a shared commitment to practical action that supports digital access, skills and inclusion across the UK.
The Charter outlines clear principles for how organisations can contribute to a more digitally inclusive society. These include promoting awareness of digital exclusion, improving access to devices and connectivity, supporting the development of digital skills, and ensuring services are designed to be inclusive by default.
By aligning with the Charter, we recognise the collective responsibility to reduce digital inequality and help ensure that everyone - regardless of age, income, location, or background - can participate fully in an increasingly digital world.
Recent highlights through partnership collaborations
Recent highlights:
- a Digital Inclusion Project delivered by Shire Housing, which has had an outstanding impact across East Ayrshire, helping older adults and vulnerable residents gain skills, confidence and independence to thrive in an increasingly digital world
- engagement with young people through Street League – Ayrshire and Barclays Digital Wings, where participants learned essential digital and financial skills; participants can access Barclays free interactive learning platform (Digital Wings), creating their own learning pathway on a variety of digital topics
- adult 1:1 digital literacy classes delivered by Vibrant Communities providing free and confidential digital learning to adults 16 and over across Easy Ayrshire
- ESOLE digital café sessions delivered by Vibrant Communities for attendees of different ethnicities, age and ability; learning new digital vocabulary through practical tasks
- a tech drop-in surgery delivered by TripleTapTech, bringing expert accessible digital support for people who are blind or partially sighted or who support those connected with sight loss (such as service users, carers, families and staff)
- free digital skills training to the over 55’s and disabled adults delivered by AbilityNet in partnership with BT
Digital Inclusion
Digital inclusion is about making sure that everyone can benefit from the internet and technology.
It is defined by three criteria:
- access to an appropriate device
- suitable connectivity to the internet through broadband, wifi and mobile data
- required skills, support, confidence and motivation to use the internet
It is important to note that digital inclusion is a shared responsibility across East Ayrshire and is not limited to any one sole organisation.
Access to an appropriate device
Find out where you can access public wifi and a device if you need one.
Suitable connectivity to the internet through broadband, wifi, and mobile data
Find out if you are eligible for a discounted broadband deal .
To find out what broadband speeds you can get at home please visit Digital Scotland Superfast.
Required skills, support, confidence, and motivation to use the internet
To understand your current level of digital skills and identify key areas where you need support, use this essential skills checker.
Once you have assessed this, we have a variety of digital tools listed below to support you in all stages of your digital learning journey.
Contact details
To become involved in the EA DAN or to get more information about the work of the group please email us using the address below.