Research on behalf of BT has highlighted that there are currently 9.7 million people over the age of 60 digitally excluded in the UK. Helping older people get online and learn about new technologies is at the heart of a new strategic partnership between Age Concern England and BT.
With more and more families, information and services going online, Age Concern England and BT both believe it is vital that older people are digitally included and today announce a new three year partnership worth £240,000. This will help to transform Age Concern’s 150 nationwide computer ‘drop ins’ and access points into a cohesive network of ‘Silver Surfer Clubs’.
Through the generosity of BT, Age Concern England is also able to offer grants of up to £3,500 a year to Age Concerns across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The grants will help to create and maximise opportunities for older people to engage with technology and try the internet for themselves.
In addition to this, Age Concern will be able to train key staff and volunteers enabling them to go on to deliver approximately 100 training sessions.
BT will also be co-sponsoring a week-long event in May with Intel and Microsoft with the aim of promoting the opportunities that computers and the internet can provide for older people and encouraging them to learn new technology skills.
Gordon Lishman, Director General of Age Concern England, said:
“We are delighted to be working with BT in trying to promote digital inclusion. We have many examples where technology transforms the lives of older people but it is essential to reach those who may not be aware of the benefits or dispel the myths that technology is something to be frightened of. With the help of BT we can deliver more IT training sessions at many Age Concerns across the country and get more older people online.”
Mike Hughes, Head of BT’s digital inclusion campaign, said: “The BT digital inclusion campaign has been running for several years now and is an important part of our commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility. This is the first digital inclusion project we have developed for older people and we’re looking forward to working with Age Concern England. We believe that everyone should be able to benefit from new technology and are confident that this project will help demonstrate that you’re never too old to learn a new skill.”
About Age Concern
Age Concern represents all older people in the UK, works with older people and listens to their views, campaigns for change on their behalf, and provides a wide range of services and opportunities. Age Concern England takes the lead role within Age Concern in the UK on campaigning, public policy on ageing and older people, fundraising and management of the Age Concern brand. We work across the UK to raise sufficient resources for Age Concern to achieve its purpose.
About BT
BT is one of the world’s leading providers of communications solutions and services operating in more than 140 Countries. Its principal activities include networked IT services, local, national and international telecommunications services, and higher-value broadband and internet products and services. BT consists principally of four lines of business: BT Global Services, Openreach, BT Retail and BT Wholesale.
In the year ended 31 March 2005, BT Group’s revenue was £18,623 million with profit before taxation of £2,354 million.
British Telecommunications plc (BT) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BT Group and encompasses virtually all businesses and assets of the BT Group. BT Group plc is listed on stock exchanges in London and New York.
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