About us

myfriends online week is one of a number of weeks within an initiative called Connect with IT‚ a digital inclusion campaign organised by Age Concern England.  The main aim of myfriends online week is to promote the benefits of digital inclusion for older people through taster sessions about online social networking tools. Age Concerns and other local organisations such as libraries and clubs will be providing free taster sessions for older people all over the UK. 

How does it work?

Age Concern will be offering taster sessions to promote the opportunities the internet and online social networking tools can offer to older people. Many of these sessions will be held by members of our Digital Inclusion Network‚ a UK-wide programme that joins up learning opportunities for older people. Organisations outside of the UK are also invited to host taster sessions during the week.

Why is myfriends online week important for older people?

Digital inclusion is not about the technology. Instead‚ digital inclusion is about how to ensure that older people are able to live life to the full‚ learn new skills and make the most of the benefits that technology has to offer.  It’s about ensuring that older people have access to services‚ are able to develop their interests‚ to keep in contact with friends and family and use technology as an enabler in making the most out of life.  The sympathetic and instructive support that myfriends online week organisers have to offer is essential in breaking down barriers to using technology and in challenging others’ preconceptions to help prove that age is no obstacle to getting online.

What difference does myfriends online week make towards the digital inclusion of older people?

myfriends online week provides a real chance for people to not just benefit from learning how to use new technologies‚ but to also influence policy makers‚ businesses and communities about how a little support can go a long way in making a big difference. Activities during the week will help to reinforce and support the government’s plan to secure Britain is at the forefront of the global digital economy.

• 9.2 million people aged 55 and over are excluded from technology (computers and Internet) (Office National Statistics‚ 2008) and miss out of the benefits the Internet has to offer such as cheaper online deals on a range of goods‚ online banking‚ price comparison websites as well as providing a cheaper way of staying contact with family and friends.
• Research has shown that two-thirds of IT users aged 55+ agreed that the Internet has had a positive impact on their lives (ICM‚ Age Concern Barclays‚ 2002).
• Older people who have the most to gain from the benefits of being online are missing out. A shocking 70% of people over 65 have never used the Internet (Office of National Statistics‚ 2008). The use of the internet also decreases with increasing age where usage is at 50% for 50-59 year olds‚ 26% for 60-69‚ 11% for 70-79 and 2% for people aged 80+.
• Being online can help older people from social isolation. 2.5 million people aged 50 and over have little social or family contact (Social Exclusion Unit‚ 2006). It has been shown that people with ICT skills increase their contact with friends and family after being given ICT skills (UK Online Centres‚ 2008).

Who are partners of myfriends online week?

Age Concern has worked in partnership with BT since 2005 to tackle social exclusion among older people through promoting digital inclusion.  myfriends online week is one of a number of partnership activities running throughout 2009. 

Careers Advice Service - The national call centre 0800 900 100 is provided as part of the partnership between Careers Advice Service and Age Concern.  Careers Advice Service provides information‚ advice and guidance to support adults in making appropriate decisions on a full range of learning and work opportunities. 

Contact us:

T: 020 8765 7231

Email: connectwithit