Do you or someone you know live with dementia?

Join us for a FREE webinar packed with inspiring stories and practical tools on how tech and digital devices can help if you or someone you know has dementia.

On Wednesday, 10 July 2024, from 1-2pm BST, we'll be joined by AbilityNet's Disability Consultant, Alex Barker, and special guests from Alzheimer's Society, and Recreo VR to share their expert insights.

In the webinar, we will:

• Find out about digital tools that can help you manage daily life with dementia
• Learn how the Alzheimer's Society has been working with Recreo VR on a groundbreaking project to boost the wellbeing of people with dementia
• Share how AbilityNet and BT Group can help you and those you know with dementia with their tech, for free

Watch the webinar playback

All those who register for the session will receive the recording after broadcast, so do sign up even if you can't make it on the day.

Bring a friend, relative or client

Offering this free webinar is one of the ways in which we're trying to help bridge the digital divide, so to reach more people you could both sign up for yourself but also bring along a community group to learn together and share the advice.

If you work in an organisation with clients who could benefit from learning about the digital world, please do share this session and encourage them to sign up or show them how the Zoom webinar process works. It's also a great session for organisations who provide digital inclusion support to service users. 

Watch the webinar playback

AbilityNet is working with BT Group to support people 65+ with getting online and using technology, such as:

- learning how to use email
- make video calls
- use online banking and book medical appointments

Sign up for Free BT Digital Skills sessions for people over 65 in your area. (Available to people in and around London, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Cardiff.)

Further resources

Factsheets: Easy Read versions of free disability and technology factsheets now available

Access our Dementia and Technology resources

Workplace training: choose from a selection of online learning options for you and your team

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 disability

Home phone services across the UK are changing – from older, less reliable copper wires to the newer fibre phone service. That’s why Virgin Media, alongside the whole industry, is updating its home phone services for all customers to make sure they are fit for the future. This is collectively known as ‘the digital voice switchover’. This means home phones will be plugged directly into WiFi Hubs. 

Digital Voice Switchover may also be referred to as ‘fibre phone line’, ‘fibre home phone service’, ‘digital voice’ or ‘IP voice’.

Find out more about Virgin Media's Digital Voice Switchover.

Rolling out Digital Voice

Virgin Media is switching customers over to its fibre phone network gradually, so when it is time to switch, customers will be contacted in lots of different ways, including via post and email.

Virgin Media urges customers to be alert to its messages so they don’t mistake these important comms for marketing messages.

The rollout of Digital Voice will also see Virgin Media reach out to its home phone customers to invite them to switch over voluntarily. Any customer who confirms they aren’t vulnerable – and don’t have any telecare or lifeline devices, like care or pendant alarms – will switch first, with extra support provided for those who need it.

If you’re a Virgin Media customer, it's important to let Virgin Media know if…

• You have a telehealth device (like a care alarm, fall alarm or fall pendant) connected to your copper home phone line 
• You live in an area without mobile signal
• You don’t have access to a mobile phone
• Anyone in your household is disabled, has an impairment, or has other accessibility needs

Extra support during the switchover will be available for customers noted above.

What to expect during the switch over

• Depending on what support is needed, customers will either be offered an engineer visit who will handle the switch over or will be sent an adaptor so that they can manage the digital landline switchover themselves, with all the information needed to swap their services.
• Basic phone handsets (either corded phones or cordless DECT phones) are expected to work with the new fibre phone line – however, some customers that have more complex connected devices, such as telehealth devices (like a care alarm, fall alarm or fall pendant) should contact device providers to ensure compatibility.

What customers need to know after the switch over 

• Home phone services will be supplied over the broadband network and will need electricity to work, unlike the existing copper phone line. Home phone services will not work if the WiFi Hub and/or WiFi is switched off – so it’s important customers always leave this on. 
• For customers who are handling the migration themselves, home phones won’t work until the adaptor has been connected to the phone and Hub. Customers need to look out for communications from Virgin Media on which date to do this.
• Disabled customers, people with a long-term illness or accessibility needs that means they rely on their home phone, and customers without access to a mobile phone can get an Emergency Backup Line, at no extra cost. They should reach out to Virgin Media right away to let it know about their situation. 
• In the unlikely event there’s a power cut or a network disruption, customers won’t be able to make or receive calls on their home phone. Virgin Media always recommends having a mobile phone handy – or will provide an Emergency Back Up Line, which will work in a power cut, to those who need it.
• The Emergency Back Up Line will allow customers to make voice calls, but won’t back up anything else plugged into the phone line. If you rely on a care alarm or pendant, for example, please check with your alarm provider that this has its own back up (eg SIM card) and can work independently in a power cut. 

Free webinar: Dementia, AI and simple tech tweaks to help - with Alzheimer's Society

How AbilityNet can help you with tech for free

If you're over 65 years of age and looking to build your skills, AbilityNet offers free digital skills sessions in areas in and around London, Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh, Cardiff. We can also help you if you live outside these areas - contact us for support.

Trainers can build something bespoke for your group or for an individual and run sessions including:

• Getting to know your Smartphone or Tablet
• Staying Safer Online
• Getting started with Email
• Using Social Media, e.g. Facebook
• Online entertainment, e.g. watching TV online
• How to access Public Services e.g. Gov.UK
• How to make a video call
• How to manage your health online
• How to bank online

Book a free session

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 disability

As the UK approaches its next general election, the air is thick with political discourse, campaign promises, and, in some cases, misinformation. The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) has introduced a new dimension to the creation and dissemination of fake news, posing significant threats to democratic processes. AI-generated fake news can spread rapidly and convincingly, making it increasingly difficult for the public to discern truth from fiction.

The Rise of AI-Generated Fake News

Generative AI, particularly advanced models like OpenAI's GPT-4, Google’s Gemini or Amazon’s Claude have made it possible to create highly sophisticated images and even videos that could be used in fake news.

These AI systems can produce text that is coherent, contextually relevant, and tailored to specific audiences. This capability has been exploited to craft fake news that can influence public opinion and electoral outcomes.

A notable example of AI-generated misinformation occurred in the United States during the 2020 presidential election. AI was used to create deepfake videos and false narratives that were disseminated across social media platforms, causing confusion and distrust. Similarly, in India, AI-generated fake news has been used to incite unrest and further spread distrust, illustrating the global nature of this threat.
 

Free webinar: Dementia, AI and simple tech tweaks to help - with Alzheimer's Society

The Impact on the UK General Election

In the UK, the potential for AI-generated fake news to disrupt the electoral process shouldn’t be discounted. As political parties ramp up their campaigns, the risk of malicious actors using AI to generate and spread fake news increases. These actors may aim to manipulate public opinion, discredit political opponents, or create division among voters.

Fake news can take many forms, from fabricated stories about candidates to manipulated images and videos. For instance, an AI-generated deepfake video of a political leader making controversial statements could go viral, swaying public perception and potentially affecting the election outcome. Additionally, AI can be used to create convincing fake articles that appear to be from reputable news sources, further muddying the waters.

The implications for Disabled People

People with disabilities often face unique challenges that can make them more vulnerable to scams and fake news. For example:

• Many disabled people or those with impairments are older and may be less digitally-‘street-wise’ – being less aware of the malpractices rife throughout the digital world.
• People with cognitive impairments may find it more difficult to critically evaluate information. This may increase their susceptibility to fake news and scams.
• People with a vision impairment may not be able to spot flaws in AI-generated fakes.
• Social isolation can make disabled individuals more likely to engage with online content, including fake news, as a way to connect with the world.

Thus the disabled community may find themselves at particular risk. 

Given the sophisticated nature of AI-generated fake news, traditional fact-checking methods are often insufficient. This is where innovative solutions like Ask Silver come into play.

Introducing Ask Silver

Ask Silver (www.ask-silver.com) is a service designed to help users navigate the complex landscape of misinformation. It offers several features that can be particularly effective in combating AI-generated fake news:

1. Warning About Known Scams or Fake News: Ask Silver keeps an updated database of known scams and fake news stories. Users can access this information to stay informed about the latest threats and avoid falling victim to them.
2. Screenshot Submission: If users come across suspicious content, they can submit screenshots to Ask Silver for analysis. The service leverages advanced AI and human expertise to determine the authenticity of the content and provide feedback to the user.
3. Educational Resources: Ask Silver provides resources to educate users about the signs of fake news and scams, empowering them to make informed decisions and recognize misinformation.
4. Ask Silver may be particularly beneficial for disabled people by providing a reliable source of information and tools to verify the authenticity of content. The ability to submit screenshots for analysis can be a valuable resource for those who may struggle to assess the credibility of information on their own.

Initiatives to help combat the risks of AI

As the UK general election approaches, the possibility of AI-generated fake news looms large. The ability of AI to create convincing and rapid-spreading misinformation poses a significant risk to the democratic process. 

For disabled people, who may be particularly vulnerable to misinformation, initiatives such as Ask Silver provide invaluable services that can help protect them from the dangers of fake news and scams.

As we navigate this complex digital age, leveraging such innovative solutions is crucial to maintaining the integrity of our electoral processes and safeguarding everyone – and in-particular our most vulnerable groups - from the perils of fake news

How to report fake news or scams

There are other methods by which you can report fake news or potential scams.

Reporting Fake News

National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC)

• Phishing Emails: Suspicious emails can be forwarded to the NCSC’s reporting service at report@phishing.gov.uk.
• Online Reporting Tool: The NCSC provides an online tool to report cyber incidents, including those involving fake news, through their official website.

Action Fraud and the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB)

• Fraud and Cyber Crime: Action Fraud is the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime. Individuals can report scams, including those spread through fake news, by visiting the Action Fraud website or by calling 0300 123 2040.

Ofcom

• Broadcast and Online Content: The Office of Communications (Ofcom) regulates the content of TV, radio, and video-on-demand services. Complaints about misinformation in these media can be submitted through the Ofcom website.

Reporting Scams

Action Fraud

• General Scams: As mentioned, Action Fraud is the main body for reporting scams. Reports can be made online or by phone.

Citizens Advice

• Scams and Consumer Issues: Citizens Advice offers a helpline (0808 223 1133) and an online reporting tool for scams and consumer issues. Their Scams Action service provides guidance and support.

Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)

• The ICO handles data protection and privacy issues, which can intersect with fake news and scams, particularly those involving data breaches and misuse of personal information.

Further resources

• Get user research and audits advice
• Join our free training courses and free webinars on digital accessibility inclusion.
• Help disabled and older people in your community: Become an AbilityNet volunteer
• Learn about our free resources
• Sign up to our newsletter to find out about our upcoming webinars and events

Carers Week, this year taking place 10-16  June, is an annual campaign to raise awareness of the invaluable work by unpaid carers. 

If you're an unpaid carer of a relative, friend or neighbour and looking for help with technology, AbilityNet's range of FREE services provide support for older people and disabled people, and their carers.

We can help you and yours this Carers Week.

Six ways carers can access free tech help

Technology can help older and disabled people in a range of ways, whether you or the person you care for are feeling isolated, or need help with a particular disability.

1. Get tech help from an AbilityNet volunteer

As a carer, you may also be disabled yourself. AbilityNet can help you with your technology questions or issues, or you can refer the person you care for to AbilityNet. Our network of more than 450+ volunteers will offer free computer and technology support and help adapt your existing technology to suit your needs, or suggest solutions that will help to empower individuals. 

You may have a problem with a computer virus, need some help installing broadband or be confused about updates or error messages.

Our friendly volunteers are disclosure checked and can assist you in person at your home, by phone or over the internet. They have relevant IT skills and will be able to help with most major computer systems, laptops, tablet devices and smartphones. 


Call our helpline on 0300 180 0028 during UK office hours to access our free volunteer help at home or online. 

2. Access our FREE factsheets

We have a range of FREE factsheets with information on various topics, including assistive technology and for people living with specific impairments and conditions. Many of our factsheets are available in Easy Read format too.

Access factsheets on useful topics including:

• Disability and Employment
• Keyboard and Mouse alternatives and adaptations
• Stroke and computing
• Parkinson’s and Computing
• Hearing loss and computing

Our factsheet “Technology for Seniors” also highlights devices designed specifically with older people in mind.

You may also be interested in our archive of blogs, including Supporting people with dementia through technology innovations. 

Free webinar: Dementia, AI and simple tech tweaks to help - with Alzheimer's Society

Watch back our webinar from 10 July 2024 to learn how technology, including AI, can provide a helping hand to people with dementia or cognitive disabilities.

In this free webinar, expert speakers from AbilityNet were joined by guest speakers from Alzheimer's Society and Recreo VR, to offer their advice for navigating the digital world with Alzheimer's disease, dementia or cognitive issues.


Watch the webinar

This webinar is supported by our partnership with BT Group, to enhance the digital skills of older people. Find out more!

3. Get funding for technology you need

Despite falling prices, the cost of a suitable computer system is still beyond the means of many disabled people, especially those on a low income.

Download our free factsheet: Finding funding for an adapted computer system for information and advice on how disabled people may obtain alternative funding for assistive technology that could make a significant difference to their quality of life.

4. Attend our free webinars for top tips

With topics ranging from sight loss, hearing loss, dyslexia, stroke awareness and more, our free webinars offer practical tips and insights into various disabilities, with expert advice and guest panellists.

Check out our webinar recordings archive to help with tech and other topics connected with caring responsibilities.

5. Learn how to use smart tech to help at home

One of our AbilityNet FREE webinars explored how to use smart tech at home. Find out what smart tech is, explore smart tech solutions including smart speakers, and learn how to use the assistive technology that is included within the smart devices.

Watch the recording on YouTube.

6. Use built-in assistive technology features

Visit AbilityNet's My Computer My Way to help unlock the useful features that are available on many devices including smartphones, tablets and computers, and assistive technology.

This FREE tool helps you adjust settings within multiple operating systems across a range of devices, including Apple Mac and iOS, Android devices, Windows and Chromebook. Search by impairment (cognitive issues, for example) or by what you want to do to help with issues you face, or to assist the person you care for (switch on captions, for example). 

How AbilityNet can help

• Call the AbilityNet Helpline on 0300 180 0028 
• Help for you, or a friend or relative
• Download FREE factsheets 
• Information on FREE webinars, and to watch recordings
• My Computer My Way: make your computer, phone or tablet easier to use
• Find out how remote volunteers can provide expert tech guidance

Navigating the digital world can be overwhelming, especially if you're unsure about searching for information online, which websites are trustworthy, or understanding your digital device.

If you're 65 years old or over, live in London, and are eager to improve your digital skills, AbilityNet can help!

Join AbilityNet in partnership with BT Group for free Senior Skills Sessions in Central London.

Expert Digital Skills Trainer, Steve Mersereau, will be your guide at these engaging sessions. 

What can I expect during the sessions?

The sessions are designed to address any tech concerns you might have, and empower you with the skills needed to navigate the digital world with confidence

Our trainer is dedicated to providing personalised assistance, answering any questions you may have, and helping you become more comfortable with your digital device and the online world.

Where and when are the sessions being held?

Join the free digital skills sessions at AbilityNet London office:

Friday 28th June, 13:00 – 15:00 - An Introduction to the Internet
Friday 5th July, 13:00 – 15.00 - An Introduction to Smart phones and Tablets
Friday 12th July, 13:00 – 15:00 - How to Stay Safer Online

AbilityNet London office address: 5-11 Worship Street, London, EC2A 2BH

Closest train station (15 minute walk): Liverpool Street Station - All Elizabeth Line stations are step-free from station to platform.

Closest underground station (7 minute walk): Moorgate

Google Map of AbilityNet's London office

Free webinar: Dementia, AI and simple tech tweaks to help - with Alzheimer's Society

Watch back our inspiring webinar from 10 July 2024 which shared how technology, including AI, can provide a helping hand to people with dementia or cognitive disabilities.

In this free webinar, expert speakers from AbilityNet were joined by guest speakers from Alzheimer's Society and Recreo VR, to offer their advice for navigating the digital world with Alzheimer's disease, dementia or cognitive issues.


Watch the webinar playback

How do I book my place?

Email digitalskills@abilitynet.org.uk with your name and phone number and our team will be in touch to confirm your place.

You can also call our helpline on 0300 180 0028* during UK office hours to register.

I don't live in London, how can I get digital skills help?

If you're over 65 years of age and looking to build your skills, we offer free digital skills sessions in areas in and around London, Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh, Cardiff. 

Trainers can build something bespoke for your group or for an individual and run sessions including:

• Getting to know your Smartphone or Tablet
• Staying Safer Online
• Getting started with Email
• Using Social Media, e.g. Facebook
• Online entertainment, e.g. watching TV online
• How to access Public Services e.g. Gov.UK
• How to make a video call
• How to manage your health online
• How to bank online

Book a free session

How AbilityNet can help

• Call AbilityNet's helpline on 0300 180 0028
• Blog: Everything you need to know about Digital Voice
• Request help from an AbilityNet volunteer
• See our database of FREE factsheets
• Access FREE webinars about technology and disability

*Please note: calls to our helpline number cost no more than a national rate call to an 01 or 02 number and count towards any inclusive minutes in the same way as 01 and 02 calls, and AbilityNet does not receive any money from these calls

On 1 July 2024 AbilityNet and Citizens Online charities will merge, joining forces to support more digitally excluded people, and create stronger impact.

Both charities share a common mission: to bridge the digital inclusion gap and improve lives through technology, especially for disabled people. By combining resources, expertise, and passion, the joint charity will achieve even better results in boosting digital inclusion.

A complementary offer

Citizens Online charity has worked to improve digital inclusion since 2000. AbilityNet traces its accessibility roots back to 1985: it is a national charity which focuses on helping disabled and older people to gain the maximum benefit from technology at home, work and in education. 

AbilityNet is one of the UK’s leading providers of digital accessibility services to organisations that offer digital applications and services, with a broad portfolio of services, including consultancy, conducting digital audits and user research, and providing expert training and strategy guidance.

Citizens Online has a complementary consultancy offer, to improve digital transformation and inclusivity; it strives to embed digital inclusion, to ensure that the impact is sustainable. It builds local partnerships and works collaboratively to share best practice to improve digital inclusion. 

Gary Moore, CEO, AbilityNet:

“By combining our two organisations, we aim to distil the best of Citizens Online and AbilityNet’s knowledge and resources to help our beneficiaries. This should also make us more efficient, improving the offer to our supporters and customers. There are substantial synergies between the two charities; each has a volunteer model; provides external digital training courses; distributes digital devices to community organisations; and both charities work closely to support older users.”

Hugo Drayton, Chair of Citizens Online: 

“In AbilityNet, I am confident that we have found a like-minded organisation, to further the mission of Citizens Online. I am immensely proud of what the charity has achieved in the last quarter century and look forward to the continued growth of this impact within the AbilityNet family. I am confident that this move will secure and expand the future for our work.” 

Alan Brooks, Chair of AbilityNet Board of Trustees: 

“We are delighted to welcome the staff, sponsors and beneficiaries of Citizens Online to the AbilityNet family. Our trustees have been very impressed with the impact which Citizens Online has achieved throughout its 24 years of operation. It has been a strong campaigner for greater digital equality and has delivered against that vision for thousands of beneficiaries. With our combined resources, we will be able to achieve greater impact for the people we seek to help.”  

Steps forward

Citizens Online is being merged into AbilityNet, leaving one overall charity with one board – AbilityNet. Citizens Online operational staff have now joined AbilityNet and existing Citizens Online projects will continue and expand. The Citizens Online website will remain in place for the foreseeable future, but the joint activities will be promoted under the AbilityNet brand.

------ Ends -----

Notes to editors

For media enquiries please contact: 
Annie Mannion, Digital Marketing Manager, AbilityNet
Email: annie.mannion@abilitynet.org.uk
Mobile: 07812 144 192

About AbilityNet

UK charity AbilityNet has more than 25 years’ experience of empowering disabled people through technology. In its mission to create a “digital world accessible to all,” it champions inclusive digital design, and its experienced consultants empower the private and public sectors to deliver accessible websites, services, and apps. AbilityNet offers free IT support at home and online to older and disabled people via its nationwide network of 450+ AbilityNet tech volunteers. Access the free service on AbilityNet's website, or call the helpline 0300 180 0028.

AbilityNet also runs TechShare Pro, Europe’s largest accessibility gathering, which attracts sponsorship from organisations including Microsoft, Google, Meta, Intuit and more. www.abilitynet.org.uk. The Charity’s Patron is Baroness Martha Lane-Fox. 

About Citizens Online

Citizens Online works to ensure that no one is left behind in today's digital age. It supports people to develop digital IT skills, access devices and data. The charity runs a UK freephone helpline that anyone can call to get support. It also works with local service providers and funders to focus on changing digital inclusion from being a ‘bolt on activity’ to a way of working that is embedded in everyday best practice. The charity aims to make digital transformation more inclusive and reduce the risk of exclusion. 

Further resources 

• Check out AbilityNet’s range of online courses, bespoke training, and online learning tools to help you this year. 
• Keep up to date with accessibility issues with the AbilityNet newsletter 
• Find out more about AbilityNet's free live webinars

AbilityNet provides a range of free services to help disabled people and older people. If you can afford it, please donate to help us support older and disabled people through technology

Can you help us take a temperature check on the training options we offer?

We're offering a generous discount on your team training if you can take a minute to complete our very short accessibility and inclusion training survey. This will help us develop the courses you particularly need.

To say thank you we’ll give you a 5% discount on in-house webinar training bookings made by 30 June 2024*. 

Learn more and take our very brief survey:

Take our survey

*subject to terms and conditions noted within the survey.

What training do you need?

With Global Accessibility Awareness Day (16 May) creating focus on accessibility and inclusion, now is the perfect time to elevate your commitment to accessibility and disability inclusion goals.

AbilityNet has a range of formats to suit your organisation and budget.

In-house workshops, group training and bespoke courses

You choose the length of the training, number of participants and whether it is delivered on-site or remotely to ensure your requirements are met.

Talk to us about our digital inclusion and accessibility courses created for:

• Content creators and editors
• Designers
• Testers
• HR, Workplace and Recruitment Professionals
• Developers
• Project Managers and Leaders
• Higher and Further Education Professionals
• Law and standards monitoring roles

Chat to us about training

eLearning

eLearning for all your staff offers a cost-effective way to teach your staff about accessibility and inclusion?

Our eLearning modules provide training for your staff in an interactive, easy-to-digest format that is self-paced and available on-demand.

Talk to us about eLearning

Online training courses for individuals

Our roles-based approach gives each member of your team the insights and skills they need to embed accessibility in every project. Choose from popular courses including PDF Accessibility, Accessible Social Media, Accessible Events, and more. Savings bundles available!

Investing in accessibility and inclusion training isn't just the right thing to do, it's also smart business. Boost employee engagement, attract diverse talent, and unlock the full potential of your team.

Book a course

Training bundle

Get great value on individual course bookings with our 2024 training bundle. Save more than £200 with our training bundle, which includes 10 courses for the price of 8 - a valuable 20% off booking individual courses.

Our courses cater to everyone, from web developers to HR professionals.

Here are just a few of the upcoming courses to choose from:

• 5 June - InDesign Accessibility
• 13 June - Accessible Social Media
• 20 June - Accessibility for Designers

Attendees of live training sessions will receive a Certificate of Attendance to add to their professional development training portfolio.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to save money and upskill your team on accessibility and inclusion.

Book your 2024 training bundle today!

Book your training bundle

Further resources 

• Check out AbilityNet’s range of online courses, bespoke training, and online learning tools to help you this year. 
• Keep up to date with accessibility issues with the AbilityNet newsletter 
• Find out more about AbilityNet's free live webinars

AbilityNet provides a range of free services to help disabled people and older people. If you can afford it, please donate to help us support older and disabled people through technology

Would you, or someone you know, like to know more about how the online world enhance your life? A fresh range of short instructional videos aimed at boosting digital skills among older people will help.

AbilityNet and telecommunications company BT Group are working in partnership to help improve the digital skills of older and digitally excluded people across the UK. 

As part of this project we are sharing simple digital tips in a new range of 'Bitesize Basics' videos, specifically designed to share step by step, straightforward digital advice with people over 65.

Topics covered in the Bitesize Basics videos

1. Staying Safer Online 
2. Artificial Intelligence (AI) in a Nutshell 
3. Introduction to the Internet 
4. How to shop online 
5. Emergency Contacts 
6. Introduction to video calling
7. How to use RingGo parking app
8. Understanding QR codes

More videos will be added to the series soon, and you can view them all on the playlist on AbilityNet's YouTube channel.

Learn at your leisure

AbilityNet staff and volunteers have already been sharing their skills across the UK at a series of in-person workshops, but the videos enable the learning to expand beyond the towns covered in the project.

"We understand that not everyone can attend a workshop, so these easy to watch up to 10-minute formats offer a great way to watch and practice digital skills at your pace in the comfort of your own home or with friends in a group," says Rob McLean, Digital Inclusion Programme Officer at AbilityNet.

"Older people often face unique challenges when navigating the digital world, from learning new technologies to understanding internet safety. The short duration of these videos reflect a more relaxed learning pace, making digital education less daunting and more accessible," Rob advises.

Watch the AI in a Nutshell video:

Access the video transcripts

1. Download the transcript for Staying Safer Online video [Word]
2. Download the transcript for AI in a Nutshell video [Word]
3. Download the transcript for Introduction to the Internet video [Word]
4. Download the transcript for How to shop online [Word]
5. Download the transcript for Emergency Contacts video [Word]
6. Download the transcript for Introduction to video calling [Word]
7. Download the transcript for How to use the RingGo app [Word]
8. Download the transcript for Understanding QR codes [Word]

Each video focuses on key topics, from basic computer use to staying safer online, ensuring that learners receive targeted information without feeling overwhelmed.

This approach empowers fostering independence and confidence in using technology to stay connected, and enables more people to learn how to manage health information, and access essential services.

AbilityNet's Digital Skills project with BT Group is supporting people 65+ with getting online and using technology, such as:

- learning how to use email
- make video calls
- use online banking and book medical appointments

Sign up for Free BT Digital Skills sessions for people over 65 in your area.
(Available to people in and around London, Birmingham, Glasgow, Edinburgh, the East Coast of Scotland, Newcastle, Cardiff and surrounding areas.)

Further resources

Factsheets: How to boost your online skills

Blog: 12 scams to be aware of and how to avoid them

Free disabilities sessions: educate your group about disability and technology via our sessions which we can deliver to your organisation.

Workplace training: choose from a selection of online learning options for you and your team.

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 disability

It's Volunteers' Week coming up from 3 - 9 June 2024, and we are delighted to celebrate our wonderful tech volunteers who put so much into their role supporting older and disabled people to use technology and complete online tasks.

Some of our tech volunteers have been working with us for many years With incredible dedication, and it's with great pleasure that we share Long Service Awards with our long-term volunteers.

Two of those volunteers have just reached the 10 year milestone, having provided a decade of much-valued support so far in their region, as part of our free IT Support service. Here they are pictured with their award certificates:

Pat Maskell, Volunteer Coordinator and Tech Volunteer based in Cumbria

"I will be honest. Retirement was not something I looked forward to. Then I found AbilityNet and discovered not only a way of sharing some of the computer skills I had learnt, but also a reason to keep up to date with the ever developing technology.

"So many older and disabled people need help with their devices. Not training courses, just help to do what they are interested in in a Digital World. I discovered my raison d'etre.

"I know I can make a difference with the help of AbilityNet and the fantastic support I and all the volunteers receive from the team."

Listen to Pat chatting on BBC Radio this Volunteers' Week about being an AbilityNet volunteer. Her slot runs from 2:36:55.

Pat was awarded the Tech4Good Volunteer of Year Award in 2021.

Colin Davies, Volunteer Coordinator and Tech Volunteer based in Dorset

"Since retiring I've taken on a number of voluntary roles but my time with AbilityNet has been the most fulfilling and longest lasting. There have been so many clients whose determination to master technology and get the most out of life has been truly inspirational," Colin says.

"The need to help the digitally disadvantaged has never been greater and the knowledgeable and dedicated team members past and present here in Dorset - to whom I owe a debt of gratitude - continue to do their best. Thanks are also due to the friendly and supportive management team under Sarah Brain who make the job so much easier. Here's to the next 10 years!"

With huge thanks to both Colin and Pat for their unflailing support of their clients in their region. 

Our friendly volunteers are DBS checked and can assist you by phone, over the internet or at home. They offer one to one support tailored to you, at your pace.

Volunteers are able to help with most computer systems, laptops, tablets, smartphones and other smart devices such as Smart TVs, Alexa speakers and Google Home devices.

Free webinar: How to get help with your digital devices

Learn how technology can provide a helping hand to disabled people and older people.

Expert speakers from AbilityNet and BT Group highlight how we can help with your tech queries and provide 121 support.

Access the webinar recording

Why volunteer with AbilityNet?

Could you dedicate any time to helping older or disabled people in your community? 

We're always keen to welcome new tech volunteers so if you're reading this and would like to get involved, please get in contact.

Some recent comments from our volunteers about what they enjoy about their roles:

• "So rewarding, doing what I love and seeing people benefit, sometimes life changing, sometimes just making a client's life a bit easier, a bit more fun, a bit less isolated."
• "I've done things out of my comfort zone. I get the support I need and reap the benefits of increasing my skills and confidence."
• "Welcoming, supportive environment. Excellent training. Totally rewarding!"

Become an AbilityNet volunteer

How AbilityNet can help

AbilityNet provides a range of free services to help disabled people and older people.

• Call our helpline: 0300 180 0028
• We have a range of factsheets that talk in detail about technology that might help you, which you can download for free. You may find our factsheets about voice recognition and keyboard alternatives useful.
• My Computer My Way. A free interactive guide to all the accessibility features built into current desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
• Meet AbilityNet volunteers from across the UK