Age UK North Yorkshire and Darlington

Age UK North Yorkshire and Darlington is excited to announce that it is now able to help older people get online and up to speed with the digital world with a free loan of IT equipment, which has been made available as an integral part of its recently launched Digital Inclusion campaign.

The charity can provide a tablet computer and internet access on a six to eight-week loan basis to explore how being more digitally literate can help in their day-to-day lives. The programme is open to over 65s who have an annual income under £16,190.

Helen Hunter, CEO of Age UK North Yorkshire and Darlington said: “The Digital Inclusion programme is a brilliant initiative, as it will support people to become more engaged and less isolated. Older people are regularly excluded from doing such life-enhancing things as booking a doctor's appointment or ordering a repeat prescription online or shopping and easily staying in touch with friends and family.

“In conjunction with our drive to recruit Digital Champions to help older people get online and more digitally engaged, the funding will provide the tools to enable that to happen. The overall aim is to get many more older people in Darlington and North Yorkshire up to speed with their digital literacy.”

The charity is also appealing for volunteers to be trained to become Digital Champions to help with getting older people digitally connected.

To find out more, contact Age UK North Yorkshire and Darlington on 01325 362 832.

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Marie Carter-Robb at marie@mccommunications.co.uk or call 07760 477694.

NOTES TO EDITORS

Age UK North Yorkshire and Darlington is a nationally registered charity and one of 150 locally based Age UK organisations providing a variety of services to older people aged 50 plus.

Whether it’s through recreational activities, expert information and advice, befriending services or just being somewhere to turn when things get too tough to cope with on your own, Age UK North Yorkshire and Darlington provides crucial companionship, advice and support to thousands of people every year.

Community-focused, Age UK is dedicated to enhancing the lives of older people in the community through befriending, outreach and social activities as well as providing an invaluable range of social and wellbeing services, including:

• A cafe and restaurant.
• A day centre
• Exercise & physical activity
• Meals at home
• IT Training courses
• Social activities