Give the gift of digital this Christmas

 

With 13 million people struggling to get online through a lack of digital skills and a further 12 million considering giving up their broadband or mobile data because of the cost-of-living crisis – never has giving the gift of digital been so important.

This Christmas we are asking you to #GiveTheGiftOfDigtal and you don’t have to put your hand in your pocket to make this gift.

Not many people know this but there are lots of initiatives – both nationally and here in #DigitalDorset – to help people get, or stay, online.

But why are we urging you to give your loved ones or friends the gift of digital?

We live in an increasingly digital world, and this is only going to increase. Having broadband or mobile data is becoming as important as having electricity and gas.

More and more essential services, like the NHS, are moving online and by the end of 2025, the traditional telephone lines will be switched off and moved to a digital service.

And then we have the cost-of-living-crisis.

Having broadband, devices or mobile phones might seem like luxuries that can be sacrificed for food or heating.

But what many people might not realise is that being digital and using online services can be a great tool in helping people to save money.

In fact, the recently published Lloyds Consumer Index Survey revealed that digital confidence is key to helping positive money management. Over 90% of people who feel on top of their finances are also confident using the Internet, suggesting the more digitally confident you are the more on top of finances you are.

People who are confident online tend to check their bank balance more often, save more money and spend their money more effectively by searching for the best deals.

And if you are unemployed, being digital and having access to devices will make looking for a new job or training much easier.

So how can you #GiveTheGiftOfDigital this Christmas?

We’re not asking you to give an actual gift such as a tablet or a smart phone. Instead, we are asking you to help raise awareness of all the various avenues that exist to help people be digital. That will be giving the gift of digital.

Here’s how you can help:

Do you know someone with low or no digital skills?

Here in Dorset, we are very proud to have an amazing team of volunteer digital champions who can provide advice face to face or over the phone.

These friendly, kind and patient team of champions are happy to help with any digital enquiry – no problem is too big or too small.

They can help people get to grips with their devices, show them how to do online activities like shopping or banking and can help with online forms and setting up emails. And if there’s a problem they can’t solve there and then, they will investigate and find an answer.

You can find our volunteer digital champions in libraries and community centres across the county.

Or if you prefer, you can speak to one of the over the phone via our Digital Hotline – 01305 221048.

To find out where our volunteer digital champions hold face to face sessions, go to Volunteer Digital Champions – Dorset Council

Making digital more affordable

There are schemes that can help people who are struggling to pay for their broadband or mobile data and places that offer refurbished devices at reasonable prices.

And don’t forget to donate any unwanted devices you may have that are just gathering dust – they will find their way to people who need them.

Here’s the help available:

Mobile data. The council’s digital team has once again teamed up with the Good Things Foundation charity to help people in digital need.

We have a limited number of sim cards with 20GB and six months’ worth of unlimited data to give people in digital need. Recipients must be aged 18 and over, be from a low-income household and have no access (or insufficient access) to the internet at home AND/OR have no or insufficient access to the internet away from home.

This giveaway is for data only so recipients will need to have an unlocked device.

For more information or to refer someone email digitaldorset@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

And there’s also a national data bank scheme run by the Good Things Foundation. For more info on that, click here: National Databank on the High Street this Christmas – Good Things Foundation

Broadband social tariffs. It’s estimated a staggering 4 million people are missing out on cheaper broadband deals they are eligible for just through a lack of awareness.

Many internet service providers offer what is called ‘social tariffs’ to people on benefits. However, the take-up is very low as this offer has not been well promoted.

Both OFCOM and Money Saving expert Martin Lewis have provided valuable information on how to apply for these tariffs:

Cheaper broadband and phone packages – Ofcom

Discounted ‘social tariffs’ for those on certain benefits (moneysavingexpert.com)

And if you’re not on benefits but are struggling to pay your broadband bills, call your internet service provider to see if they can offer an alternative package.

Or, if you’re not tied into a contract, search for the best deals on the market here Compare Broadband Deals (uswitch.com)

Affordable devices. There are organisations across the UK that refurbish donated devices and sell them on at much reduced prices.

One local organisation, which has drop off points throughout Dorset, is Donate IT. You can donate your unwanted devices to them and they will in turn get these to families in need.

For more information go here: www.donateit.co.uk/ 

If you are a professional or organisation that works with Dorset residents who you know are in digital need, you can refer them to Dorset Council’s device gifting scheme called Digital Doorway: Digital Doorway – Dorset Council

Dorset libraries. All libraries in Dorset have access to FREE WiFi and computers and offer a device loan scheme. Find your nearest library here: Libraries – Dorset Council

If you know someone who is struggling to get online, do one thing this Christmas, #GiveTheGiftOfDigital