Digital helpers on hand to support people struggling with technology

Through the Digital Assist Text Help service, anyone can text DIGITALHELP to 67300*, with a brief description of what support or advice is required, and a volunteer will make a follow up phone call to help.

The Digital Assist Text Help service was set up to offer free advice to help people stay connected, shop online, use video calls and social media, and stay safe, when using the internet.

Volunteers making the support phone calls come from a range of organisations and have been recruited by BITCNI, the responsible business network that works with business to tackle some of the biggest issues facing society.

Companies supporting the service include: Danske Bank, Ulster Bank, Brain Box Computers, BT, The Consumer Council, Department for Communities, Department of Finance, Expleo, Fujitsu, Supporting Communities and Ignite IT.

Angela McCartney, Communities Executive, BITCNI, said: “It’s never been more important for us to feel confident using the internet and stay safe online.

Most of us are using our smartphones or computers daily, to keep in touch with our friends and family or buy things online, and if you struggle with technology it can make these practical tasks more difficult and the feeling of isolation even more profound. Through Digital Assist Text Help, our amazing volunteers are setting aside time to give people that need a bit of extra support the step-by-step help they need to make online payments, send emails, adjust their computer settings, or use video calls – whatever they need help with!

“If you have a tablet, laptop or phone and need help to address a specific problem, our digital volunteers can help. Simply text the word DIGITALHELP - one word - to 67300 with a brief description of what you require help with, and a volunteer will phone you within 48 hours to talk you through the problem.”

For more information or to volunteer, please visit www.bitcni.org.uk/digitalhelp or email Angela McCartney at [email protected].

Additional information about Go ON NI, lots of general digital advice including online safety and step by step training guides can be found on www.nidirect.gov.uk/go-on-ni

*All text messages are charged at your network operator’s standard rate.

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