Media centre

Gordon Lishman‚ Director General of Age Concern‚ said: “Whitehaven’s BBC2 fans need to get a move on if they don’t already have digital TV equipment as without it they could miss out on their favourite programmes from tomorrow. This is the first channel that will be switched over followed by all the other channels on 14 November. 

“Older people watch more TV than any other age group but a straw poll of Age Concern’s service users locally found that many older people are not yet ready for the change.  We welcome the Targeted Help Scheme‚ but the experience of Whitehaven residents signals that such support needs to be given earlier if it is to reach those for whom the help is intended to benefit.

“Age Concern has‚ and will continue‚ to work closely with Digital UK during the switchover at a national and local level.”

Mary Bradley‚ Director of Age Concern Northwest Cumbria‚ said: “Our experience indicates that fitting the box is only the beginning. Ideally we would like to be able to help people become confident in using their new digital equipment and get used to having access more than four channels‚ listening to the radio via the TV and using interactive services.

“I urge everyone to help by checking to see whether their relatives‚ friends and neighbours are experiencing difficulties‚ and if so‚ whether they have the support they need. We are here to help and if we can’t‚ then we can usually direct you to people who can.  You can call us on 01946 66669 or 01946 68981.”

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Notes to Editors

• Age Concern Northwest Cumbria is working closely with Digital UK in the run up to the first analogue signal switch-off in Whitehaven
• Age Concern England is working on a national level to ensure that older people get the support they need during the switchover.