Older people invited to improve their digital skills over a cup of tea

Louise Aldridge | 06 Sep 2023

AbilityNet in partnership with BT GroupMore and more everyday activities, such as booking a doctor’s appointment, shopping, banking, and paying bills, are becoming more reliant on the Internet. 

This raises the concern that some older people may be missing out due to a lack of confidence with digital devices or having limited or no access to the Internet. 

As one of the ways AbilityNet and BT Group are working together to address the digital divide, AbilityNet will be supporting BT Group's BT Tea Rooms, free sessions for older people to improve their digital skills over a cup of tea.

Where are the BT Tea Room sessions being held? 

Two older people sitting together in front of a laptop, enjoying a pot of tea.The free sessions are being held in Birmingham, Glasgow, and Bournemouth. Free food, coffee, and tea will be offered to those joining.

Session times are to be confirmed but they will take place during usual cafe opening hours between 10am - 5.30pm: 

  • Urban Emporium, Birmingham
    30 Church St, Birmingham, B3 2NP
    When: Tuesday 26 September, Wednesday 27 September, and Thursday 28 September

  • Café Fame, Glasgow
    127 Hope St, Glasgow G2 6PE
    When: Wednesday 4 October, Thursday 5 October, and Friday 6 October 
     
  • Frieda's Tea Room, Bournemouth, 
    City Centre, 7 Stafford Rd, Bournemouth BH1 1JH
    When: Tuesday 17 October, Wednesday 18 October, and Thursday 19 October 

If you yourself are interested in attending, or if you know or work with anyone who you think could benefit from individual support with honing their digital skills, please share information about sessions taking place in September and October.

What to expect during the BT Tea Room sessions?

Aimed at people aged 65 or older, the free sessions will offer support on how to use the Internet, stay safe online, and use different digital devices.

Small group of 3 older women having coffee in social setting

The sessions will offer a range of options, from a quick drop-in to ask specific questions to more detailed 30 and 90 minute sessions. 

Attendees will get support with everyday tasks such as online shopping, as well as guidance for using digital devices and how the internet can help older people socialise and stay in touch with friends and family. 

Top tips for boosting your digital skills, with BT Group
Guest speakers from BT Group, Age UK and AbilityNet shared practical ways to help ensure that senior citizens and disabled people are not left behind in the digital revolution.

- Discover resources for step-by-step guidance about using digital devices
- Understand how tech adjustments can help with sight loss, if you are deaf or hard of hearing, or with cognitive, motor or mental health issues
- Pose your questions about tech to the panel
Watch the webinar recording
 

Digital Skills sessions in your community

If you can't make it along to a BT Tea Room event, as part of AbilityNet and BT Group's efforts to improve the digital skills of older and digitally excluded people across the UK, our friendly team of Digital Skills trainers can also provide free digital skills training at home or at a community group setting.

This is currently available to support older people (65+ years) based in London, Birmingham, Glasgow, Edinburgh, the East Coast of Scotland, Newcastle, Cardiff and surrounding areas.

How AbilityNet can help you