Although we live in an increasingly online world, a significant part of the population remains digitally excluded. I welcome the Government’s commitment to helping elderly people in particular acquire basic digital skills as part of its broader strategy to reduce digital exclusion. Age UK has conducted research on digital exclusion in the UK. It found that 25 per cent of people aged 65 and over in the UK don't use the internet. Older people who are without digital skills risk losing access to key services such as banking, shopping and health services, as well as communications platforms that keep people connected.
Age UK's research found that, in England, the three most common reasons for people aged 65 and over not using the internet were a lack of skills, a lack of trust in the internet, and a lack of access to good enough equipment and/or broadband access. Age UK is running a 'Digital Champions Programme' which seeks to provide support for older people to improve their digital skills through trained volunteers, as well as providing loan technology for those without access. Further information can be found online at: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/our-impact/programmes/digital-skills/digital-champions/
The involvement of the voluntary and community sector is crucial, and support can be most effective where providers are able to tailor their support to local needs. Public libraries also play a key role in helping to tackle digital exclusion. Around 2,900 public libraries in England provide a trusted network of accessible locations offering free WiFi, access to computers and digital support provided by staff and volunteers.
The Government is working to remove barriers and ensure that online services are as inclusive as possible by making public sector websites accessible to as many people as possible. The accessibility regulations ensure that websites and mobile apps are designed to be perceivable, operable, understandable and robust. Furthermore, assisted digital support services aim to increase digital inclusion for those online users who lack digital confidence, digital skills or access to the internet. The Government also works closely with digital inclusion charities Good Things Foundation and AbilityNet, both highly experienced in helping disabled people boost their mental health and access technology and the internet. Further information can be found online here: https://abilitynet.org.uk/abilitynet-services-charities-and-disabled-people.
26/02/2024