Digital Unite has announced that CrossCountry will act as a Supporting Sponsor for Spring Online, one of the nation’s largest, annual digital inclusion campaigns which runs between 31 March – 4 April 2014.
Now in its thirteenth year, Spring Online has helped thousands of older people and less confident users take their first steps with digital technology since it started in 2002. The campaign prides itself on its community focus, encouraging individuals and organisations up and down the nation to open their doors and host events. During Spring Online 2013, an estimated 20,000 people were helped to get online, making it one of the most successful campaigns to date.
Clare Shufflebotham, Partnerships Manager, CrossCountry said: “CrossCountry is delighted to be supporting Digital Unite in their campaign for digital inclusion. Retailing is increasingly being driven online and through mobile so it’s important to us that as many people as possible are supported in getting online, using their smart phones and are familiar with new technology like ‘print your own’ tickets and mobile ticketing. As a train company who doesn’t operate at any stations, often our only contact with customers before they board our trains is through our website, mobile site, Train Ticket app and social media. The more people we can encourage online, the more people we’ll be able to help with our useful tools, travel information and destination guides.”
With around 7 million people having never used the internet and many more unable to do basic online tasks such as sending emails and searching the web, Spring Online has successfully helped to inspire tens of thousands of people to make digital technology a part of their everyday lives. Margaret, an attendee of Spring Online 2013 expressed it this way: “My grandchildren gave me an iPad for Christmas and I have hardly used it. Today I have learnt to shop online and download cooking apps.”
Judith Graham, Operations Manager for Spring Online said: “We are delighted to welcome CrossCountry as a partner for this year’s Spring Online campaign. In these digitally demanding times, Spring Online remains as relevant and as essential as ever in helping people across the UK to experience the significant benefits having access to the internet can bring, whether that’s booking tickets, contacting friends and family or saving money. With CrossCountry’s involvement this year we are looking forward to getting even more people online for 2014.
CrossCountry’s sponsorship of the Spring Online campaign will be administered by Digital Unite’s charitable arm, the Digital Unite Trust. Partnership opportunities for Spring Online 2014 are currently available.