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Thinking of Helping Someone Switch to Digital TV?
TV is switching to digital all over the UK and the traditional TV signal is being switched off area by area. Everyone needs to be ready or they will lose their TV channels.
Are the people you care for ready?
It might seem easy to sort out their digital TV equipment yourself. Just remember that getting used to new equipment takes time. Also, many set top boxes and TVs will need to be re-tuned at least twice, and some might need a new aerial. Can you count on being there to help when they need it?
If you really want to help someone switch, the best way may be to tell them about the Switchover Help Scheme.
The Help Scheme is run by the BBC and can help everyone who:
- Is aged 75 and over, or
- Has lived in a care home for six months or more, or
- Gets (or could get):
- Disability living allowance (DLA), or
- Attendance or Constant Attendance Allowance, or
- Mobility supplement, or
- Is registered blind or partially sighted
We can provide everything they need to switch one TV to digital. With our help, it’s one less thing for you and them to worry about.
Our standard option is available for an all-inclusive cost of £40. This help is free if you or someone you care for is eligible and gets pension credit, income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA(IR)), income support or income-based Job Seekers Allowance.
Our standard option includes:
Easy-to-use equipment
The standard option provided by the Help Scheme includes simple to use equipment (usually a set-top box) which comes with an easy-to-use remote control. Our set-top boxes are also especially easy to retune at switchover, so that most people can do it themselves. Other options are available, such as digital recorders. These come at extra cost.
Installation by an approved installer
Our installers are trained and experienced in serving older and disabled people. We always visit by appointment and you can ask us to come at a time convenient to you and those you care for. Our installers always carry ID and you can arrange a password in advance.
We will set up the equipment and make sure it is working, or will work after switchover. Our installers will explain how to use the equipment before they leave.
A 12 month aftercare service with a free helpline
Help Scheme customers and their carers can contact our free phone aftercare service for up to 12 months after delivery or installation. Our friendly, patient UK based staff can help them with advice over the phone while they are getting used to things. If problems can't be sorted out over the phone, we will send our installer round to help.
The following case studies show how we have helped people switch to digital TV through their carers, friends or family.
Case study - Carers support worker
How to get help
Before the switchover, all eligible people will receive an information pack. Look out for this pack and talk to the person you care for about whether they would like to take up our help. We can only help if they get in touch. Alternatively, you can reply on their behalf. If you would like more information call free on
0800 40 85 900. Our call centre staff will explain things clearly and simply and will be happy to help.
If you know other carers, friends or family of eligible people, please ask them to make sure they tell the people they care about that help is available for them. You can print out and pass on the leaflet below for their reference. Thank you.
