Millions invested to create new wave of silver surfers

This is the scheme for anyone who knows someone in a residential home or who has never used a computer and learned to surf the web.

Nearly 20,000 people living in sheltered housing will be switched on to the internet under £2.9m plans being developed by the Government to boost the number of silver surfers Communities Minister Lord McKenzie and Minister for Pensions and the Ageing Society Angela Eagle announced today.

With two thirds of those over the age of 65 in sheltered housing without online access, the new ‘Get Digital’ programme will help them become internet savvy and enjoy the wider social and economic benefits of the digital world.

‘Get Digital’ – to be delivered on the Government’s behalf by the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE) and Digital Unite - will provide these people with access to computers and the training they need to make the most of the new technology on offer. Local schools will also link up with sheltered housing schemes so that young and old can learn together.

For further information about the ‘Get Digital’ Programme, please email: getdigital@niace.org.uk

A national network of digital mentors has been set up to give those who are unfamiliar with new technology the skills they need to use the internet. This is led by the Media Trust and is now called Community Voices (www.mediatrust.org/communityvoices).