BT is providing help for seniors to improve their digital skills with Sir Geoff Hurst and through its Care Home Companions scheme which started in 2020 to help tackle loneliness.
Research from BT shows that 41 per cent of over 70s don’t feel fully confident using their phone for anything more than calls, even though 71 pc say phones improve connections with loved ones.
Of those surveyed, 60pc of older people want to learn a new skill and 73pc said using their mobile for booking GP appointments has increased their independence.
BT, Geoff Hurst and the Care Home Companions scheme are aiming to help older people with digital skills, with the scheme being set up by BT employees who chat with those who may not have anyone to talk to on a regular basis.
Sir Geoff Hurst commented: “At my age, I meet a lot of people who are on their own and suffer with loneliness. I am fortunate that I’m in regular contact with my immediate family including a WhatsApp group called ‘Family Bants’.
“But there are people who have very little family around them or at all so it’s a great thing to connect them – through technology – so they can speak to their mates or people they have lost contact with years ago.”
BT’s director of customer care Tania Caporaso added: “Personal connections are at the heart of everything we do, whether that’s helping families and friends stay in touch by phone, emails, texts or the small interactions our advisors make with customers everyday as we help solve their issues.
“So, when our customer service advisors suggested using their professional skills and to volunteer to help lonely care home residents back in 2020 – I couldn’t think of a better way to help older people in our local communities.”
