OUR STORY
One Moment. One Group. One Realisation That Couldn't Be Ignored.
Digital Unity Hub began in 2022 with a simple but urgent realisation — too many people were being left behind in an increasingly digital world.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ash witnessed first-hand how a lack of digital skills, devices, or connectivity cut people off from healthcare, family, work, and basic services.
The problem was not ability. It was access, confidence, and dignity.
The first workshop took shape at the Ellon Royal British Legion — a small group of veterans, gathered with uncertainty, curiosity, and a shared need for support.
What started as one session revealed something much deeper. Digital exclusion was not an edge case. It was everywhere. And the human need was too great to ignore.
That moment became the foundation of Digital Unity Hub.
THE JOURNEY
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2022 — The Beginning
October 2022 — Digital Unity Hub founded by Ash Vijay in response to the digital exclusion exposed during COVID-19. What began as a personal mission quickly became a community movement.
2023 — First Impact
January 2023 — Monthly digital skills sessions begin at the Ellon Royal British Legion, supporting veterans facing digital barriers. Mid 2023 — Ash becomes the Digital Champion of North East Scotland, trained by Mhor Collective and supported by Connecting Scotland.
2024 — Growing Into the Community
Early 2024 — Sessions move to Ellon Library in partnership with Live Life Aberdeenshire. Greater accessibility, more space, and stronger visibility for local residents. Mid to Late 2024 — Regular attendees begin helping other participants — a peer learning culture emerges naturally. One-to-one micro-sessions introduced within group workshops.
2025 — Structure and Strength
Spring 2025 — Tailored support pathways launched for older adults, veterans, and people with accessibility needs. Autumn 2025 — Governance processes, safeguarding frameworks, and early impact reporting developed.
2026 — Formalisation
January 2026 — Digital Unity Hub formally begins the process of registering as a non-profit organisation in Scotland. 2026 and Beyond — The model shows potential for replication in other libraries, towns, and communities across North East Scotland and beyond.
The Work Continues.
Every milestone represents a person gaining confidence, reconnecting with family, accessing services independently, or discovering they have something to give back.
We are strengthening our governance. We are expanding our partnerships. We are growing workshop by workshop.
The journey continues — and there is still much more to do.
