Digital Switchover

 DIGIT AL VISITS HELENSBURGH

Digit Al recently stopped by to present prizes to children at Hermitage Primary and Lomond School.  Here he is pictured with the winners and runner ups.

  THIRD SECTOR PARTNERSHIP TO HELP DELIVER DIGITAL TV SWITCHOVER

Argyll Voluntary Action (AVA) ,   Islay& Jura CVS, Bute Community Links is to mobilise an army of charities and volunteers to help residents make the switch to digital TV in Argyll, it was announced today.

Starting in November, TSP will work with other charities and voluntary groups to prepare people for the switchover, which starts in Argyll on 11^th May 2011. The appointment has been made on behalf of Digital UK, the independent body in charge of switchover.¹

TSP will mobilise local charities across Argyll to hold events and presentations, giving advice on how to switch over to digital TV. Charity staff and volunteers will be invited to attend free briefing sessions to understand the process and learn about the Switchover Help Scheme. Thousands of people are expected to benefit from the advice and support given at these events.

TSP organisations are your  intermediary organisation that provides support to voluntary organisations, charities and community groups in the area to help them to achieve their aims and empower others. Their extensive networks, membership and partners make them ideally placed to take part in a programme of this type.

Glenn Heritage, Chief Executive Officer of AVA, who are part of TSP said: “Switching to digital TV will be straightforward for many people, but some others will need help, practical advice or reassurance.

“We look forward to working with our fellow charities to provide that support in Argyll  & Bute and help prepare the local community for switchover. We will also encourage those who are eligible to apply for the Switchover Help Scheme.”

Local charities can apply for free briefing places, and for funding through a Small Grants Scheme set up to encourage extra events locally. Materials developed to help run events and explain switchover will also be provided.

Russell Keene, Digital UK’s Regional Manager in region, welcomed the announcement saying “the outreach work planned to reach into the community is essential and will help to ensure everyone can enjoy the benefits of digital TV when switchover arrives”.

Digital UK will soon be holding roadshows across the central belt to provide further face-to-face advice for anyone who needs it.

The Switchover Help Scheme, run by the BBC, has also been set up to make it easier for older and disabled people to switch to digital TV. It is writing to eligible people in the area. People are eligible for the scheme if they are aged 75 years or more, have lived in a care home for six months or more, get (or could get) certain disability benefits, or are registered blind or partially sighted.

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