Digital home help

August 14 2009

With less than 100 days to the start of digital TV switchover across the North West, volunteering charity CSV is calling on community spirited people to ‘give time’ to make sure no-one wakes up to a blank television when the long awaited switchover starts in November.

The UK’s leading volunteering charity CSV (Community Service Volunteers) is working in partnership with BBC North West to help spread the word to householders on the new ‘Switchover Help Scheme’, which is being offered to people over 75 or in receipt of benefits, who may need help.

The charity is appealing for local volunteers who like to chat, and who have a good knowledge of their area, to help spread the word and give people the support they need on switching over to digital.

Community Outreach Manager for CSV, Samantha Barlow said: “We’ve found many people needed help using the new digital technology, and we are appealing for volunteers in Manchester, Merseyside, Lancashire and Cheshire to help distribute information leaflets, give talks at community centres or just help a neighbour in need. 

“Even a few hours can make a big difference in making sure older people don’t lose their TV signal.”

TV viewers across the North will start the switch digital on 4 November, when the analogue signal for Granada will be switched off.

David Meekins, 29, who works in a post office in Fleetwood Lancashire, said: “I work in a busy Post Office and see over 500 customers a week where I’m helping to spread the word to pensioners.  Volunteering also gives me a chance to get involved with something worthwhile that helps makes sure vulnerable people don’t lose out, plus I get the opportunity to make new friends too.”

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To find out more about volunteering with the digital switchover project or to interview Samantha Barlow contact 0161 2443060 or  samantha.barlow@bbc.co.uk.

Notes for Editors
1. CSV (Community Service Volunteers) creates opportunities for people to take an active part in the life of their communities through volunteering, training and community action.  Last year 229,869 people gave 5 million hours of their time as volunteers through CSV.  CSV trains 12,705 people of all ages. www.csv.org.uk.