Main Content
News Release
10th August 2009
The Switchover Help Scheme is helping older and disabled people in Lancashire make the switch to digital TV.
Over the past few months the Help Scheme has been writing to eligible older and disabled people in Lancashire inviting them to apply for help to convert one TV to digital in time for switchover this autumn.
One person who has already taken up the offer of help is Mrs Marie Kendall, aged 84, from Garstang, Lancashire.
Marie said: “No sooner had I posted my form off than I got a phone call asking when it was convenient for them to come to fit my Freeview box.
“Because I had a few other commitments during the week, including hospital appointments I said I was unable to be free until Saturday, which was fine by them.
“The engineer arrived on time and installed the box. The service was very good and very quick. The new set top box is marvellous!”
Stephen Price, from the charity Independent Age, visited Marie to help her with her application prior to the installation. The charity is just one of a number of organisations working with the Switchover Help Scheme giving additional support to eligible people during switchover.
Stephen said: “I’m really pleased I could help Marie. The information about the Scheme has arrived through people’s letterboxes, but some people are putting off acting on it and taking the necessary steps to go digital. Once they have been given a hand to complete their application form, or have called the Help Scheme, they appreciate how simple it is.’’
If customers have any questions after their installation they can always call the Switchover Help Scheme free on 0800 40 85 906 for further help.
The Winter Hill transmitter group serving much of Lancashire, Liverpool, Manchester, Cheshire and north Staffordshire will begin to switch on 4 November this year.
People are eligible for the Help Scheme if:
- They are aged 75 or over; or
- They have lived in a care home for six months or more; or
- They get (or could get) disability living allowance, or attendance or constant attendance allowance, or mobility supplement; or
- They are registered blind or partially sighted.
Most eligible people will be asked to pay £40 towards the standard offer of help which in Granada is Freeview. For eligible people who are also on pension credit, income support, income-based jobseeker’s allowance or employment and support allowance, it’s free.
What’s on offer?
Details about how to apply, an explanation of all of the available options and prices, are clearly set out in the information pack that eligible people receive in the post.
What do I need to do?
People need to respond to get the help. Completed information pack forms can be returned to the Help Scheme, but to make it even easier to apply, eligible people can call the Help Scheme free on 0800 40 85 906.
In addition, any eligible person who needs help to complete their application form can nominate someone else to complete it for them.
The Help Scheme is run by the BBC under an agreement with the Government and has been specially designed around the needs of older and disabled people. Equipment has been specifically chosen for ease of use and the Help Scheme contact centre, delivery staff and installers have all been trained to understand and respect older and disabled people. All installers have undertaken Criminal Records Bureau checks, carry identification and will never call without having made an appointment.
Media Contacts:
Diane Green
PR and Communications Manager – Switchover Help Scheme
T: 0191 245 8847
M: 07951478832
E: diane.green@eaga.com