Digital Switchover

COMMUNITY COUNCIL FOR BERKSHIRE TO HELP DELIVER DIGITAL TV SWITCHOVER

CCB is mobilising an army of charities and volunteers to help residents make the switch to digital TV in Berkshire.

CCB will work with other not-for-profit and voluntary groups to prepare people for the switchover, which starts in Berkshire on 8 February 2012. The appointment has been made on behalf of Digital UK and the BBC-run Switchover Help Scheme.

CCB is mobilising local groups across Berkshire 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.

CCB is an independent, not-for-profit Community Development Agency that works to develop active citizens, strong communities and social capital.

Elizabeth Donegan, Head of Business Services of Community Action Hampshire, said: “Switching to digital TV will be straightforward for many people, but some others will need help, practical advice or reassurance.

“We look forward to working with colleagues from across the not-for-profit sector to provide that support throughout Hampshire 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.

Bill Taylor, Digital UK’s Regional Manager, added: “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”.

Digital UK will soon be holding roadshows across Hampshire to provide further face-to-face advice for anyone who needs it.

The Switchover Help Scheme, run by the BBC, has also been set up to provide practical help to eligible older and disabled people to 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 and a 12 month aftercare service including free helpline.

For more information visit:

• Digital UK is the independent, not-for-profit organisation leading the process of digital TV switchover in the UK. They provide impartial information on what people need to do to prepare for the switch to digital, and when they need to do it.
• The Switchover Help Scheme offers practical help at switchover to older and disabled people who may face greater barriers in switching to digital TV. You can call them free on 0800 40 85 900.