Dorset Council’s Digital Hotline is helping even more people get online thanks to a new arrangement with Age UK North, South & West Dorset.
Age UK North, South & West Dorset is now referring its users who need help with any IT issues to the free Hotline.
The Hotline is manned by a team of volunteer Digital Champions, who can help anyone in Dorset with computer, tablet and smartphone queries, including helping people get online for the first time.
Dorset Council’s Deputy Leader, Cllr Peter Wharf, said: “We are delighted to extend the Digital Hotline’s service to Age UK’s users in North, South & West Dorset who need help getting online.
“Accessing online services has never been more important and our Digital Champions are using their expertise to help people overcome any barriers that are preventing them from fully joining the digital world.”
The Digital Champions can help with a wide range of enquiries that come through to the hotline, including:
- setting up video calls such as Skype and Facetime to keep in contact with friends and family
- providing help to get online for grocery shopping
- setting up and using new devices
- support for all digital NHS services and e-Consult
- support to use all digital appliances and solve problems
Age UK North, South & West Dorset, Operations Manager, Sarah Frigot, said: “With so many services and activities now moving online, from shopping, banking and keeping in touch with loved ones, it can be daunting for older people to know where to start.
“Age UK North, South & West Dorset are delighted to work with Dorset Council to ensure that older people in our communities have access to the digital world.
“Connecting online can help you feel close to others and help with feelings of loneliness.”
The Dorset Digital Hotline is open weekdays from 10am to 12 noon on 01305 221048. Outside of those times, people can leave a message.
Age UK North, South & West Dorset can also provide a Covid-safe home visit to any user whose enquiry cannot be solved over the phone.
Dorset Council, which set up the Dorset Digital Hotline to provide support for people with IT and digital problems of all kinds, says the service has received more than 50 calls in the first three weeks.