A LAPTOP lending library for young people has been launched at the Musselburgh-based Bridges Project.

The equipment can be borrowed by all project clients in East Lothian who are digitally excluded, either through not having access to a laptop due to their financial situation or not having basic digital skills.

Each young person will keep their laptop until their support period with the project on Bogpark Road ends or until they do not need one.

Simen Holm, fundraiser at the project, said that 10 laptops were on loan which would enable young people to engage remotely with the support offered by the Bridges amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.

“They will have better access to mental wellbeing support online, such as mental health apps and YouTube videos, and better access to digital health and social care services,” he said.

“Social isolation and loneliness will be reduced as the young people will be able to participate in online Bridges Project groups and will receive mentoring in how to communicate with friends and family online.

“They will be more able to apply for employment, housing and Universal Credit online and will be more able to conduct school and college work online.”

Mr Holm added: “More broadly, all the benefits the laptops will bring will help young people improve their wellbeing and reduce their anxiety.

“They will also have better access to support services.

“This initiative therefore means that more young people will be digitally included and we will take another step in the battle against digital exclusion.”

The laptops were provided by the Edinburgh and the Lothians Health Foundation Connecting Communities Fund, which is funded by Edinburgh and the Lothians Health Foundation with support from NHS Charities Together. The fund is administered by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO).