Digital TV Switchover
In Neath Port Talbot and parts of Swansea and Burry Port, switchover starts on the 12th August 2009 and will be completed by 9th September 2009. This means that everyone who receives their TV signal from the Kilvey Hill Transmitter must have suitable digital equipment installed in order to continue watching TV after the switchover.
For many people, television is an important way of receiving information from the outside world, and the process of changing from analogue to digital can be worrying. We believe that it is vital for older and other vulnerable people to receive the right information and advice from the local organisation that they know and trust. |
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There will be many older and other potentially vulnerable people who may need some extra help in managing the digital switchover process. To provide support to these groups, a new joint venture organisation called Digital Outreach Ltd has been set up by leading charities to deliver the Digital Switchover Community Outreach Programme on behalf of Digital UK, the organisation responsible for managing the switchover across the UK.
The programme is targeted at the following six groups:
- older people
- people who have sensory, mobility and/or dexterity impairments
- people who have a learning disability
- people who have mental health problems
- people who do not have English as a first language
- people who are socially isolated
The Switchover Help Scheme has been designed to help eligible older and disabled people who may face greater barriers in switching to digital TV. If you are aged 75 or over or get disability living allowance or attendance allowance you can get both financial and practical installation help in making the change. This help will ensure that at least one television set in your house will be able to receive digital signals. You will have to pay a small charge for the practical installation help unless you are on Income Support, Job Seekers allowance or Pension Credit. People who are eligible for the Scheme will be contacted personally by letter within the next few months and asked if they want assistance.
Digital Outreach Ltd has appointed Age Concern Neath Port Talbot as their lead local organisation and our aim is to work with local charities and voluntary sector organisations to coordinate and deliver a range of activities to assist people in making the switch to digital. The support available through Age Concern Neath Port Talbot will include:
- Free (train the trainer) training for staff and volunteers on switchover
- Information on the Switchover Help Scheme
- Speakers for presentations and meetings
- Small grants to support new local switchover related activities or initiatives by voluntary and community sector organisations
- Good practice sharing and advice on local activities or initiatives
- Digital UK leaflets and material
The train the trainer workshops are aimed at people who can raise awareness of switchover within their organisation or community and cascade the information within their teams.
To find out more about the digital switchover, Switchover Help Scheme, or to secure a place on one of the training workshops please contact Kathryn Charles or Paula Griffiths at Age Concern Neath Port Talbot.
Helpline
01792 818200
or email