North Yorkshire and York Forum to help deliver digital TV switchover

Starting in February, North Yorkshire and York Forum will work with other charities and voluntary groups to prepare people for the switchover, which starts in the Tyne Tees TV region on 12 September. The appointment has been made on behalf of Digital UK and the BBC-run Switchover Help Scheme.

 

NYYF will mobilise local groups across North Yorkshire to hold events and presentations, giving advice on how to switch over to digital TV and apply for the Switchover Help Scheme which provides practical help to older and disabled people to switch one TV to digital. Thousands of people are expected to benefit from the advice and support given at these events.

 

North Yorkshire and York Forum is a registered charity which promotes, develops and supports new and existing voluntary and community action in North Yorkshire and York. The Forum provides information, guidance, support and training for people running voluntary or community organisations, and makes sure that voluntary and community sector views and interests are well represented. With a database of over 3000 local voluntary organisations it is well placed to involve these in spreading the word about the switchover.

 

Claire Petty, Lead Co-ordinator at NYYF, said: “Switching to digital TV will be straightforward for many people, but some others will need practical help, advice or reassurance.

 

“We look forward to working with our fellow charities to provide that support in North Yorkshire and help prepare the local community for switchover. We will also encourage eligible older and disabled people to apply for the Switchover Help Scheme.”

 

Local charities can apply for free briefing places, and for funding through a Small Grants Scheme set up to encourage extra events locally. Materials developed to help run events and explain switchover will also be provided.

 

John Askew, Digital UK’s Regional Manager in the north east, welcomed the announcement saying: “the outreach work planned to reach into the community is essential and will help to ensure everyone can enjoy the benefits of digital TV when switchover arrives”.

 

The Switchover Help Scheme, run by the BBC, has been set up to provide practical help to eligible older and disabled people switch to digital TV. It is writing to eligible people in the area. People are eligible for the scheme if they are aged 75 years or more, have lived in a care home for six months or more, get (or could get) certain disability benefits, or are registered blind or partially sighted. For £40, or free for people that are eligible and also on certain income related benefits, the Help Scheme will provide easy to use equipment to convert one set, an approved installer to supply and install the necessary equipment, and a 12 month aftercare service including free helpline.

 

More details are available from Claire Petty, North Yorkshire Coordinator: Community Outreach Programme. Please contact Claire at claire.petty@nyyforum.org.uk or phone 01347 825710 / 07738 456779. Outreach mailing packs (DVD plus leaflets) will be distributed to some voluntary and community organisations during March – if you would like to request a copy please email Jeanette at jeanette.lilley@nyyforum.org.uk