New Digital Inclusion Project Launched

Although digital inclusion has increased over the last decade there is still a significant section of the older population who do not know how to access the internet and use information technology.

Exclusion can impact negatively on people’s physical, financial and social well-being as they are unaware of changes in legislation and benefits that directly affect them. They are denied the ease of online appointment booking processes for GPs, hospitals and health centres and application processes for housing and benefits.  For most people the online systems have simplified the process but older people who do not have access to the internet and technology are excluded.

Age UK H&F has been awarded funding from the National Lottery Community Fund for the Staying Connected Digital Inclusion Project, to remove barriers to Information Technology that can disadvantage older people. 

 “We want everyone to have the level of access they want to information, opportunities, education and training, activities, saving money and social connection,” explains Dawn Stephenson Chief Executive for Age UK H&F. “The Staying Connected Digital Inclusion Project aims to remove the barriers that put some people at a disadvantage and show them that IT opportunities can be fun, entertaining and useful. Everyone should have access to the internet and, more importantly, someone who can show them how to use it in the most appropriate way for their needs. That is our vision for this project. We are very grateful to the National Lottery Community Fund for providing this grant to allow us to achieve our vision.”

We are in the process of recruiting staff and volunteers to set up and deliver the Staying Connected Project.

If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer or finding out more call:

020 7386 9085 or read more about our 1-2-1 tuition and computer room here.