Peter steps up to the mark to be ERoSH's digital champion
ERoSH has been working with media literacy experts, Digital Unite (DU) for a number of years now to help promote IT skills and knowledge amongst older people. In this time, the partnership has grown and strengthened, enthusiastically led by ERoSH trustee, Linda Milton. Because of Linda's involvement in the day to day running of ERoSH, she is no longer able to fulfil her representative role with Digital Unite. But, in response to our appeal for a replacement volunteer in our May eZine, Director of Housing Services at 'Johnnie' Johnson Housing, Peter Daly, has stepped up to the mark to continue the battle against ‘digital disenfranchisement'.
About Digital Unite
- 9.2 million people aged 55 and over are excluded from technology (computers and Internet) (Office National Statistics‚ 2008)
- Research by the Post Office, a broadband provider, suggests that households that are not online could be missing out on savings of up to £840 a year on goods and services.
DU has organised Silver Surfers' Day, the biggest annual UK-wide digital campaign for older users, for the past seven years. It also offers free resources for large or small, business, public or non-profit organisations who want to host IT taster events for older people. DU offers this support year-round, and especially on Silver Surfers' Day.
DU donates 1% of its takings to ERoSH from its Community Programme for Older People, and so this role may appeal to someone who would be interested in developing the business opportunities in this innovative partnership.
DU have started a new project, supported by ERoSH, called Schools for Silver Surfers. The programme links the schools network with sheltered housing, via Specialist Schools Academies Trust and ERoSH. ERoSH sees this link-up - which is a win-win for everyone - as crucial.
Thank you Peter.
