Wester Hailes Connect Gives Internet Tablets to the Vulnerable

That the Parliament commends Wester Hailes Connect on its plans to distribute internet tablets to vulnerable people in its area; recognises that the tablets will allow vulnerable people to remain connected during these challenging times; understands that the tablets were donated by the BT Group as part of the DevicesDotNow initiative run by FutureDotNow, which is coordinating industry action to target the 1.9 million households that do not have access to the internet and are digitally excluded; notes that the DevicesDotNow initiative was created in response to the social distancing necessary due to COVID-19 and that it is asking businesses to donate tablets, smartphones and laptops, as well as connectivity in the form of sim cards, dongles and mobile hotspots; considers that remaining connected with friends and family and broad media sources are critical in reducing the harmful effects of social isolation that is experienced by many in society, and thanks Wester Hailes Connect for its work to support the community throughout a very challenging period.