Laptop scheme to get older people online (From Salisbury Journal)

Laptop scheme to get older people online

2:49pm Monday 11th March 2013 in News By Journal Reporter

OLDER people are being helped to get online through a scheme to provide low cost, refurbished laptops.

Wiltshire Council and Age UK Salisbury District are working in partnership to refurbish the council’s old laptops and sell them for £50 to those who need them most, with the cost covering the work done on them.

Ruth Poynting from Salisbury is one recipient. She said: “This scheme has helped enormously and opened up a new world. It has allowed me to keep in touch with my grandchildren, broaden my horizons and maintain my independence. Age UK has been brilliant and so encouraging.”

David Kane, chief officer of Age UK Salisbury District, said: “Recent research from Age UK nationally found over 65 on lower incomes are four times more likely not to have internet access than any other population group. “It is vital older people have access to the internet in order to access information and services in this increasingly digital age”.

Anyone over 65 who would like to discuss their eligibility can call 01225 793349 or visit wiltshireonline.org.