AbilityNet and BT Group offer free tablets and digital skills support to adults aged over 55
AbilityNet and BT Group are offering free tablets and digital skills support to help older people and disabled adults get online, stay connected and live more independently.
Many people still lack the device, skills or confidence they need to access online services. For the past four years, AbilityNet and BT Group have worked together to tackle digital exclusion and make technology more accessible.
The partnership has already supported 15,000 people through more than 28,500 digital skills sessions. These sessions are designed to help people build their confidence, develop practical skills and make better use of technology in their everyday lives.
According to AbilityNet, 75 per cent of the people supported through the programme say they feel less isolated and more independent.
Thanks to funding from BT Group, a limited number of free tablets are now available to eligible people who do not have a suitable device or who struggle to get online using their current technology.
Recipients can also receive support to set up their tablet and learn how to use it. This can include help with making video calls to friends and family, accessing online banking and shopping services, downloading and using apps, identifying and avoiding online scams, and connecting the device to Wi-Fi.
The devices are available to adults aged over 55 and disabled adults aged over 18 who live in selected areas.
Eligible locations include Cheshire, North Wales, South West Wales, Cardiff, Swansea, the Brecon area, Herefordshire, North Devon, Worcestershire, Essex and Inverness.
The programme also covers parts of Somerset and South Devon, including Portishead, Bridgwater, Exeter and Plymouth, as well as Ayr, Irvine, Kilmarnock, North Glasgow and Stirling.
People who meet the eligibility criteria can visit AbilityNet’s Digital Skills Training for Older People and Disabled Adults webpage to register their interest.
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