Helping people to get online and use the internet

CSV continues to play its part in promoting digital participation to help people get online and supporting them to stay online.

One in five people in the UK aged 55 - 64 have never used the internet, rising to 60% of those over 65. Some of the barriers for older people are lack of confidence and fear of feeling stupid as well as not knowing where to go to get help.

Computer Buddies

CSV has set up its Computer Buddies scheme, funded by Nominet Trust, which recruits volunteers to help older people stay online by providing them with a ‘mentor’ who can help them sort out issues such as why the printer is not working or how to upload pictures.

Over 80 people have volunteered so far and we have helped over 350 people since January.

Go ON - Spring Online and BBC First Click

CSV is also taking part in Go ON – Spring Online this May and the BBC First Click campaign through the CSV Action Network.

Spring Online (16–20 May 2011) aims to get older people using computers and the internet. The week will end on Friday 20 May with Digital Unite’s annual Silver Surfers’ Day - now in its 10th year.

The Spring Online with Silver Surfers’ Day campaign encourages and supports people and organisations all over the UK to open their doors and run free awareness sessions to give older people and other less confident users a taste of computers and the internet.

It’s anticipated that around 70,000 people will get involved in 3,500 events this year. Sessions can be held anywhere from sitting rooms to boardrooms, classrooms to pubs, UK online centres to libraries.

Who we work with

There are many organisations working towards ensuring that no one loses out on the benefits of being online, whether it is getting goods and services cheaper or staying in touch with family.

Spring Online with Silver Surfers’ Day is delivered by Digital Unite in partnership with UK online centres and Race Online 2012. It is also supported by the BBC, NHS Choices and Jobcentre Plus, Government departments, the Post Office and many IT companies.

CSV also has a long standing partnership with Digital Outreach Limited, which focuses on assisting older and disabled people in the UK to benefit from new technologies in their homes and lives.

For more information on what CSV is doing around digital participation contact Felicity Ford on fford@csv.org.uk.