Open-access content
Thursday 14th January 2010
14 January 2010
The government is provide £2.9m to housing associations to help set up Internet access, training and advice for older people in sheltered accommodation.
Around 20,000 of the so-called silver-surfers could be connected to the Internet, according to a statement from the Department for Communities and Local Government.
"With two-thirds of those over the age of 65 in sheltered housing without online access, the new Get Digital programme will help them become Internet savvy and enjoy the wider social and economic benefits of the digital world."
Get Digital will be set up for the government by the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE) and Digital Unite which specialises in helping older people become knowledgable about working with the Web.
Local schools will also link up with sheltered housing schemes so that young and old can learn together.
Pilot projects were run in Somerset, Bristol and Buckinghamshire.
By the end of March 2011, Get Digital should be working with 195 sheltered housing schemes nationwide, including 81 in rural areas providing around 7,800 with residents Internet access.
Training will include information to allay fears of fraud and how users can protect themselves from being deceived online.
Communities Minister Lord McKenzie said many people over 50 are feeling left behind in the Internet age. "This programme is about bridging the digital divide. A little training will make going online a possibility for everyone. The internet will make it easier for people to keep in touch with their families, shop online and access a wide range of services."
The government is provide £2.9m to housing associations to help set up Internet access, training and advice for older people in sheltered accommodation.
Around 20,000 of the so-called silver-surfers could be connected to the Internet, according to a statement from the Department for Communities and Local Government.
"With two-thirds of those over the age of 65 in sheltered housing without online access, the new Get Digital programme will help them become Internet savvy and enjoy the wider social and economic benefits of the digital world."
Get Digital will be set up for the government by the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE) and Digital Unite which specialises in helping older people become knowledgable about working with the Web.
Local schools will also link up with sheltered housing schemes so that young and old can learn together.
Pilot projects were run in Somerset, Bristol and Buckinghamshire.
By the end of March 2011, Get Digital should be working with 195 sheltered housing schemes nationwide, including 81 in rural areas providing around 7,800 with residents Internet access.
Training will include information to allay fears of fraud and how users can protect themselves from being deceived online.
Communities Minister Lord McKenzie said many people over 50 are feeling left behind in the Internet age. "This programme is about bridging the digital divide. A little training will make going online a possibility for everyone. The internet will make it easier for people to keep in touch with their families, shop online and access a wide range of services."