(For other information during the covid-19 disruptions please see previous news posts).

Many people in our local community are likely to be relying on digital online services and applications more than ever before.  For some this will be a first, and they need to learn from scratch, and for others there are new digital hurdles to overcome almost on a daily basis just to get every day jobs done such as shopping or ordering prescriptions.  

There is a new free telephone hotline set up by Digital Champions in Dorset in response to the COVID-19 lockdown, to provide support for people with IT and digital problems of all kinds.  The hotline has received more than 50 calls in the first three weeks.

Here is a selection of some of the support the digital advisers can provide – no problem too small!

  • helping families with digital applications for home schooling
  • providing help to get online for home shopping
  • support for all digital NHS services and e-Consult
  • setting up video calls such as Skype and Facetime to keep in contact with friends and family
  • support to use all digital appliances and solve problems
  • using digital to exercise at home and keep fit

The Dorset Digital Hotline is run by a group of volunteers mostly made up of retired IT professionals and some Dorset Council staff. The team are extremely versatile and experienced and can offer a wide range of support to anyone including assistance to vulnerable people in your community. Click here to see their website.

Dorset Digital Hotline – Telephone:  01305 221000 (Select Option 2).

Monday to Friday 10.00 am to 12 noon (except Bank Holidays) or leave a message. 

If you’d prefer to get help online, Learn My Way offers free courses on using a computer, browsing the web, sending an email and finding work online.