BT Group partnership to help older people and disabled adults master the digital world
Annie Mannion | 19 Sep 2024
AbilityNet and telecommunications company BT Group has today announced the continuing of its partnership to help improve the digital skills of people over 65, and disabled adults, across the UK.
This partnership for the next year is building on the 2023-2024 ‘Senior Skills Programme’ which delivered more than 1,000 group and one-to-one training sessions in regions across the UK.
Help for disabled adults, alongside people over 65
Part of the fresh focus for the year ahead will include helping disabled adults, as well as anyone over 65.
AbilityNet's friendly team of Digital Skills trainers can provide free digital skills training to support older people (65+ years) and to disabled adults, in the following geographical areas:
- Glasgow, Edinburgh and the Scottish Central Belt.
- Birmingham and the West Midlands.
- Cardiff, Swansea and Bristol.
- Greater London and London city
- Aberdeen, Dundee and Perth (coming soon)
- Newcastle upon Tyne, Durham and Hartlepool (coming soon)
The locations were chosen based on a growing demand for tech support among older people aged 65+ in these areas.
Expanding on developing digital skills in the UK
Learn more about the partnership in this captioned video following a group of senior learners in Birmingham:
The Senior Skills programme encourages older and digitally excluded people, and disabled adults, to learn more about and use basic online services.
Sarah Brain (pictured), Head of Free Services at AbilityNet says of the partnership and the latest developments:
"Over the past 12 months, we’ve supported more than 5,000 older individuals by providing them with essential digital skills and advice. Building on this success, we are excited to announce that, with the generous support of BT Group, we will be able to continue and expand upon this important work. This partnership marks the beginning of a new chapter, where we can reach even more people, helping them thrive and stay connected in an increasingly digital world. Together, we are committed to ensuring that no one is left behind as technology continues to evolve, and we look forward to making an even greater impact in the communities we serve."
Free webinar: Empowering Seniors: 5 Essential Tips for Online Safety and Support
Our free webinar on Thursday 17 October 2024, 1pm BST will share top tips for connecting and staying safer online if you are a senior citizen or a disabled adult.
Learn about the innovative ‘Ask-Silver.com’ app, and the free resources available via AbilityNet to help with navigating the digital world.
Older people are keen to learn digital skills
BT Group’s research* shows that two thirds (65%) of older people think that you’re never too old to learn new skills, with almost half (49%) open to learning tech skills specifically.
Basic digital skills are now increasingly important for day-to-day life. People who are less familiar with digital devices risk losing access to key services like banking, shopping and health services, as well as software platforms that keep people connected.
What may seem second nature to some is an exciting journey of discovery for older individuals - parents, grandparents, and beyond. From mastering online shopping to connecting through video calls and capturing cherished moments through photos, boosting digital skills is invaluable.
BT Group is committed to supporting the older generation as they adapt to using digital tools and technology. The ongoing partnership between AbilityNet and BT will help reach our mutual goals of an inclusive digital future for all.
Get help from volunteers across the UK
As part of the partnership, the digital skills training is available in person and through online resources, with the goal of helping participants become more independent and able to manage day-to-day digital tasks.
AbilityNet is also very pleased to continue to work with volunteers from BT Group who have been helping to deliver the programme so far at key areas across the UK.
If you're not located in one of the focus areas outlined above, but would like to get digital skills support, please call AbilityNet's tech helpline: 0300 180 0028 (open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm) or contact us online.
* Research carried out by OnePoll in October 2022 of 1500 people over 60 years of age in the UK.
How AbilityNet can help
- Call AbilityNet's Helpline on 0300 180 0028
- Request help from an AbilityNet volunteer
- See our database of FREE factsheets
- Access FREE webinars about technology and disabilityy
- Book disability awareness training for your team
