Digital inclusion

Age UK deliver free, practical digital help for older people

Did you know that 40% of people aged 75 and over do not currently access the internet? Many older people also lack the confidence to make use of laptops, tablets or mobile phones.

During the covid pandemic, more organisations including banks, councils, utility suppliers, retailers and Government are making it difficult to get information or carry out routine tasks without going online. Social media can be a great way to keep in touch with friends and family, yet also requires confidence to use them for the first time. Age UK Herefordshire & Worcestershire and Hereford & Localities are delivering free 6-week courses and 121 support designed specifically to increase the confidence of older people to use up to date equipment and access online services.

“If you are unfamiliar with doing everyday task digitally, the internet can be a confusing and difficult place to navigate” says Alison Fletcher, Digital Inclusion Officer at Age UK Herefordshire & Worcestershire. “Many older people do not either own or use a smart phone and, if they do own a computer, the software may not be up to date. Our courses are a great way to increase confidence by being shown how to do things digitally. There is lots of time to practice their new skills using up to date equipment including laptops, tablets and mobile phones and each group will be small and friendly”.

“Our Age UK course leaders are all local, friendly volunteers. They are carefully recruited to support older people and help them overcome the barriers for using digital devices” Liz Loveday, Digital Inclusion Officer adds. “They have IT knowledge together with patience and understanding to make a real difference to older people in their community. It’s not hard to imagine how difficult it can be for people to get things organised when communicating with DVLA, HMRC, banks, retailers etc without feeling confident using email or setting up and logging into an online account”.

Our first courses are staring in Ross on Wye on 22nd February and in Dinedor Community Hall on Friday 4th March. Many more are planned throughout Herefordshire in the next 6 months. All participants will receive a loan of a new tablet or laptop during the course, and free SIM cards, kindly donated by Vodaphone, to access the internet from a mobile phone will be provided. We are very grateful for the fantastic support of Herefordshire County Council who are funding us and making all this possible.

If you would like to know more about the courses, know someone who could benefit, or would like to volunteer your time to help run one in your local community, please get in touch with us:

Telephone:  0800 008 6077
Email: referralhub@ageukhw.org.uk