Though figures show internet use among older people is increasing, this group are still less likely to use the internet than their younger counterparts, with nearly four million people over 65 having never used the internet (Age UK, 2018). Since the pandemic, one of our biggest aims has been to help more older people get online in order to access services, events and communicate with loved ones.

Age UK Westminster can support older people in Westminster to build their confidence and knowledge using digital devices, such as smartphones, tablets/Ipads and laptops. We have trained older people to connect online and access local services, do online shopping, learn how to use Zoom and join virtual activities, set up and use email addresses and WhatsApp accounts, and connect with loved ones through video calls. Becoming digitally connected can reduce feelings of isolation, loneliness and can improve physical and emotional wellbeing.

Where might your money go?

Donations towards this project will help us to:

- provide personalised 1-1 support

- provide group support in the community (iTea parties)

- recruit and train digital inclusion volunteers

- sustain a digital library offering a range of devices and sims/data that can be loaned for free to individuals accessing a digital inclusion learning programme

- help us to help those who need financial support to purchase their own device/data following their digital learning

Benefits to clients accessing this service are:

Feeling less digitally excluded and increased confidence with using technology

Develop new skills

Increased access to services and events in their local community

Strengthened bonds between family members and friends, regardless of distance

Decreased loneliness

Improved mental wellbeing

Testimonials

We discussed the idea of learning to use an iPad with a client, which she took up as a challenge. We lent her an iPad, the lessons went well and all of a sudden she was Zooming her long lost brother in Portugal and contacting various family members in the UK.

-Befriender for Age UK Westminster

Age UK and Zoom has helped me meet new friends and we look forward to 'live' meetings in due course. None of this would have been possible without Age UK (Westminster) so thank you Age UK for giving me this opportunity to develop my skills.

-Digital Inclusion Project client

I am getting more and more confident with the sessions. I am still learning and progressing. I have started my journey using Word and email. I am very excited to carry on learning so that I can write emails to my friends and family and also write letters and print them out and post them. I have wanted to do this for so long so thank you.

-MC, Digital Inclusion client

My confidence with technology has gone up so much. Before I met E, I was afraid to touch something and delete it, but I managed to improve all of this with her. My confidence has improved, and it will carry on improving.

-JG, Digital Inclusion client

'Many thanks to you for an amazing Friday afternoon iTea Party at Impact Ltd. The session was most informative and the 1:1 help on my tablet was invaluable. What I enjoyed most about today's session was the friendliness of the Impact team who engaged with us with smiles and much enthusiasm. Nothing was too much for them. They gave us dinosaurs the 1:1 help that we sought with our various devices over a lovely tea party along with big smiles.

-iTea party attendee