Social care providers across the UK are urged to help their clients get online in one of the biggest digital inclusion campaigns of the year, Spring Online in association with Carphone Warehouse.
Seven million people in the UK have never used the internet – six million of them aged over 55. Millions more don’t have basic online skills such as sending emails or searching the web.
Now Digital Unite, one of the main providers of digital skills learning, wants care providers across the UK to organise digital taster events as part of Spring Online from 31 March – 4 April.
Dick Stroud of Digital Unite says: “Depression affects 20% of older people living in the community and 40% living in elder care homes, compared with 10% of the population at large³. Access to the internet is vital to give older people and those living with disabilities their independence and stop them feeling isolated.”
Recent research¹ reveals that that only a fifth of care homes – approximately 4,250 of the 20,000 across the country - have provided residents with web access. Dick Stroud adds: “That’s shocking enough. But providing communal computers and internet access is only part of the answer.”
“For many, the biggest barriers are lack of knowledge and confidence. When social care employers and unpaid carers were asked in a MORI study for SCIE² about the biggest barrier to accessing the online world, they said lack of skills and confidence. And that’s where Spring Online comes in – friendly, informal taster sessions can reassure, advise and help residents feel confident and excited about the possibilities the internet brings.”
Since the award-winning Spring Online campaign began more than 200,000 people have been inspired to get online, many for the first time. Often their lives have been transformed, like the man recovering from a stroke who learnt to access online banking and shopping and 81 year old Doris who said: “I can now talk to family and friends, share jokes and Google things I want to know … I can travel the world without leaving my chair.”
It’s free and easy to take part. Digital Unite supports event holders with activity ideas, advice and guidance plus downloadable marketing materials. And there is chance to win some great prizes in the Spring Online Best Event Awards. More information is available at www.digitalunite.com/spring-online by calling 0800 228 9272 or emailing springonline@digitalunite.com
¹Carehome.co.uk ²Booz & Co / Go ON UK ³Booz & Co / House of Commons Health Committee (Health Inequalities)
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For media information, interviews or photos, contact julia.shipston@digitalunite.com Tel: 0771 3163003.