New figures* show that older people are at risk of being left behind in the rapid move to online services.
With the introduction of Universal Credit, 80% of all benefit applications are expected to be online after 2017. Yet 6.7 million adults in the UK have never used the internet – 5.8 million of them aged 55 and over.
They are missing out on huge social as well as economic benefits – it’s been estimated that households save on average £560 a year by being online.
Digital Unite, one of the UK’s main providers of digital skills learning, wants communities around the UK to get involved in one of the biggest digital inclusion campaigns of the year – Spring Online in association with Carphone Warehouse - which takes place from 31 March to 4 April.
It is calling on volunteers, local organisations, housing and care providers and businesses to organise Spring Online events in their communities to show people how easy it is to get online and how it can enhance their lives.
Last year, thousands of people got their first taste of computers and the internet at events in libraries, schools, community centres, pubs, village halls and shops and even a street market, cinema and candle factory.
Dick Stroud of Digital Unite says: “Spring Online is a great way to get involved in your local community. Through the 13 years of this campaign, we’ve seen the powerful effects of bringing people together to share an interest and explore modern technology. However you do it, whether it’s with a couple of tablets in your front room or by taking over your local community centre, being part of Spring Online can make a massive difference to everyone involved.”
More information at www.digitalunite.com/spring-online by calling 0800 228 9272 or emailing springonline@digitalunite.com
* ONS quarterly update, Q4 2013
Ends
For media information, email Julia.shipston@digitalunite.com or phone 0771 316 3003.