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2 February 2010

Age Concern and Help the Aged Announce Names of Internet Champions

Age Concern and Help the Aged, supported by BT, will today announce their Internet Champions for 2010. The Champions will be ambassadors for the Charity to show the 6.4 million older people who have never used the internet¹ that they too can enjoy the many benefits it has to offer, such as keeping in touch with friends and family and making savings online.

Martha Lane Fox, the Government’s Digital Technology Champion will officially announce Lucy Berry, 80, and Frederick Briggs, 72, as the Internet Champions for 2010 at the Ritz Hotel in London later today.

The role of the Internet Champions will be particularly important because research commissioned by Age Concern and Help the Aged, with BT, found that older people were more likely to be interested in using the internet and similar technology if their peers were doing so². Statistics also show that when older people do use the internet they spend more time online than younger adults, suggesting that older people are just as interested in the internet as anyone else - they just need a chance to use it³.

The internet has transformed the lives of both Champions. Lucy, for example, felt she wasn’t alone this Christmas as she opened up her presents online (using Skype) with her son and grandson in Australia, while Frederick also uses the internet to keep in touch with loved ones, as well as for shopping. The Champions will work with Age Concern and Help the Aged in the coming year to highlight the benefits the internet has brought them and show other older people across the UK that it is never too late to get online.

Lane Fox, who was part of the Internet Champion judging panel, said:

'It is estimated that 6.4 million people over 65 have never been online, meaning these people are missing out on the many opportunities that technology has to offer – from saving money to keeping in touch with family and friends. As the internet rapidly becomes a tool for everyday life, those without the access, skills or motivation to use the web are increasingly left behind. 

'I hope that members of the public will see from Lucy and Frederick that using the internet is achievable for all ages and that the benefits can positively impact their lives.'

Michelle Mitchell, Charity Director at Age Concern and Help the Aged, commented:

'All too often the internet is seen as something exclusively for young people, but in fact it has something for everyone and can make a genuine difference to the lives of older people. The Internet Champions show that with a little training, anyone can get online, even those who have never used a computer before.

'We are delighted that Lucy and Frederick are the Age Concern and Help the Aged Internet Champions for 2010 and look forward to working with them to encourage other older people to get online. For more information about receiving training and advice in your local area call 0800 00 99 66, visit www.ageconcern.org.uk/it or visit your local library or UK Online Centre.'

Lucy Berry, joint Internet Champion for 2010, said:

'I am thrilled to be one of the Age Concern and Help the Aged Internet Champions and hope that my story will encourage others to get online.

'I never had much interest in technology before, but since being online my life has opened up. Last year, for example, we had Christmas over a web camera so I could see my son and grandson in Australia open their presents in front of me. Although I had some concerns about using the internet it has made a real difference and wasn’t nearly as difficult to use as I thought.'

Frederick Briggs, joint Internet Champion for 2010, said:

'I started using the internet when I saw an advert for a computer class at my local Age Concern. At first I was nervous about attending as I didn’t want to look like an idiot in front of people, but I managed to pluck up the courage and haven’t looked back. All the tutors were really helpful and patient, particularly a 17-year-old student who walked me through how to get online.

'I now use the internet for everything from talking to my children and grandchildren online, to booking trips away. The internet has made a real difference to my life, so I would encourage any older people to give it a try – it’s never too late.'

As well as winning the chance to spread the word about the benefits of the internet, the Champions and two runners-up have also won a laptop and other goodies from BT.

- ENDS -

Notes to Editors

The Internet Champion announcement will take place on Tuesday 2 February at 4pm at the Ritz in London. IMPORTANT - if you wish to attend please contact Andrew Walker on 0208 765 7512. A strict dress code applies, men will need to wear jacket and tie and women will need to dress smart - no trainers or jeans.

Age Concern and Help the Aged

Age UK is the new force combining Age Concern and Help the Aged. We will be known by our new name from Spring 2010. The Age UK family includes Age Scotland, Age Cymru and Age NI.

Age Concern and Help the Aged partnership with BT

Age Concern and Help the Aged have been working with BT since 2005, to tackle social exclusion among older people by helping older people get online, learn about new technologies and use ICT to improve their quality of life. In partnership we offer training, taster sessions and literature to help older people become digitally engaged. Our campaigns champion digital equality for older people and aim to reduce inequalities in access, skills and engagement which lead to digital exclusion.

BT

BT is one of the world’s leading providers of communications solutions and services operating in 170 countries. BT supports social inclusion by helping people make the most of technology.

1. Internet Access 2009 Households and Individuals, ONS, 2009
2. Introducing another World: older people and digital inclusion, 2009.
3. The Communications Market 2008, Ofcom, 2008

Contact: Andrew Walker, Age Concern and Help the Aged media team. Telephone 020 8765 7512 (out-of-hours: 07071 243 243) or email media@ace.org.uk