Virgin Media and Digital Unite
help older people in 17 sheltered
housing sites, to get online

• To celebrate SSD 08, the UK's largest residential broadband
  provider teams up with Digital Unite to offer online access
  and free computers to 17 sheltered housing sites, in
  Virgin Media broadband areas

• Applications are now invited from sheltered housing
  providers to receive a free online learning support
  package for older residents
  

• Closing date, SSD, 23 May 2008

The digital world is fast paced and moving all the time. But without intervention,
some sections of society could get left behind. That's why the Silver Surfers' Day
Campaign, which focuses on getting older people online, is still going from strength
to strength. And that's also why Digital Unite (DU) and Virgin Media have hooked up
to do something extra special to stimulate older people's learning, understanding and
participation in the digital world.

Helping you to help others

We believe the internet can be a powerful tool for people in sheltered accommodation.
Not only can it help them stay close to friends and family, it can help keep them
connected to the wider world and give them the freedom to manage their lives
without having to leave their home.

Sheltered housing providers now have a unique opportunity to help us bridge the
divide and give their older customers an opportunity to explore the digital world.

Applications are now invited for a free 'get online' package for sheltered housing
residents and we'll provide you with all the equipment you need to get residents
online plus technical support for a year*, a 7 week training course plus free broadband.

What participating sheltered housing schemes will get

The lucky 17 sites will receive the following:

• All the kit they need to get started
• 2 brand new desktop computers plus a year's full support*
• Printer
• 2 tracker ball mice - (specially adapted for people with mobility issues)
• 1 year's free broadband from Virgin Media, with speeds of up to 10Mb
• Set up service, with everything tested and ready to go
• Help when they need it - just give our team a call.

* Computer support will be provided for one year, up to a maximum of £1000.

Crucially, this fabulous offer also includes a learning programme that will give
older learner the skills they need to get started.

To help give older learners the skills they need to make the most of the equipment
and start enjoying the net, Digital Unite will be providing a seven-week digital literacy
skills course for residents, at the sheltered home and delivered by one of their specialist Tutors.

How do we apply?
First check that your site is in a Virgin Media area below (otherwise we can't deliver your free broadband,
no matter how much we'd like to.)

1. Find a postal code and check here to see if you're in an area of coverage:

http://allyours.virginmedia.com/html/specialoffers/broadband.html

2. Note the information you need to supply:

All you need to do is let us know:

- who you are;
- why you should be awarded one of these 'get online' packages;
- evidence of demand at your scheme, buy-in at management level both local and organisational,
and, very importantly, a genuine commitment to sustain the digital literacy opportunity, maintain
the infrastructure and nourish the learning environment. While we provide the initial equipment and
training, you'll need enough budget to sustain the scheme and keep the opportunity open to your residents after
the first year. This means you must be able to commit a minimum of £1000 to maintaining kit,
broadband connection and some learning in 2009.

Now go to the link here to download your Application Form and Guidance notes (all in a single Word template).

In the file download box, select Save and save it to a suitable folder on your computer.
Then Open the Folder and double click to open the form.

 Copyright Digital Unite Ltd. Please use all material with credit: www.silversurfersday.org. Enquiries to: silver@digitalunite.net