I’m increasingly concerned about the governments ‘digital by default’ position, which is looking more and more like ‘digital by compulsion’. I am concerned will leave many people with difficulties accessing benefits, work and information. This will disproportionately affect older people, people with disabilities and people on low incomes: the very people who often need government and council services more.
I hope the government will think again, as it has with the delay of Universal Credit, but in the meantime I’m encouraging everyone I know, who can, to get online and trained up. After all even if it doesn’t end up being essential there are many benefits to being online.
One event for older people Reading that’s coming up that I hope will be really good is ‘Technology begins with Tea” tomorrow, hoping that quite a number of people will be able to attend:
Would you like to have a better understanding of modern technology?
Perhaps you want to be able to use your mobile phone better? Maybe you’d like to use a computer to keep in touch with loved ones or to shop online?
Berkshire Age UK are inviting you to a free event where you can learn these things and more. They’ll explain things to you in a friendly and down-to-earth way and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have. All that with tea and biscuits laid on too.
10.00 – 12.00
3rd Floor
Reading Central Library
Contact Sara Finch at Berkshire Age UK to book your place-
Tel: 0118 902 3598
Email: sarah.fich@ageukberkshire.org.uk