Age UK are committed to providing life enhancing services to older people in the community.
Befriending services, advice services and neighbourly volunteering are just a few examples of the fantastic help they provide for the elderly.
Their digital buddies support older people in becoming more tech savvy, which has never been more relevant and important as now, during the current pandemic.
With this in mind, 6G Internet identified a way to help older people who are digitally excluded and missing out on this valuable support.
John Verity, Age UK Blackburn and Darwen Digital Inclusion Development Manager said;
“Lack of affordable broadband is one of the main factors that leads to digital exclusion amongst older people. Working with 6G Internet as partners has enabled Age UK Blackburn with Darwen to help older people to get connected free of charge. This allows them to experience the many benefits of digital technology such as keeping in touch with friends and family, shopping online and using health services online”
According to the Office for National Statistics, over two thirds of the digitally excluded are over 65 years of age.
6G Internet believe there should be Internet for All and work tirelessly to achieve this by donating 20% of internet bandwidth to disadvantaged and socially excluded groups.
Many essential services are now carried out online, such as ordering prescriptions and applying for benefits. Older people without internet access, are being left behind and are at huge disadvantage compared with their online peers.
6G Internet’s free internet, along with the IT courses provided by Age UK, mean that people have access to the necessary resources and don’t need to feel out of their depth online.
Once connected, Social Networks become within reach. This means the elderly can stay in touch with loved ones, swap photos and Social Isolation can feel that little bit less lonely.
6G Internet are committed to bridging the digital divide and look forward to a future where there is 6G Internet for everyone.