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News release
1st September 2008
Switchover Help Scheme message gets television premiere
TWO NEW TV ADS promoting the Switchover Help Scheme will be screened across the country this week, helping to ensure that older and disabled people in the Borders know what support is available to help them make the move to digital this November.
The two warm and humorous ads will run on BBC TV from September 6. One features a lady of nearly 80 and the other a blind man. Both of them are telling friends how easy it was to switch to digital with the Switchover Help Scheme.
The adverts will help raise further awareness of the Help Scheme, which could help as many as seven million people nationally.
The Switchover Help Scheme is well into its stride in Scottish Borders with around 17,000 eligible older and disabled people being offered practical help to switch one TV to digital in time for switchover on November 20.
With more than two months still to go to switchover, already around a quarter of people mailed by the Help Scheme have responded, either to take up the support or to say they don't need help.
Everyone who is 75 or over, or an eligible disabled person will be sent a Switchover Help Scheme letter and application pack setting out the options for switching starting from £40, or for free for eligible people who also receive certain income benefits.
Importantly, even if you do not need help, you should still let the Help Scheme know so that we can be sure you're ready switchover. Everyone who gets in touch, regardless of whether they need help or not, will receive four free energy saving light bulbs as a thank you.
The number of installations in people's homes is rising every week, and hundreds of people are also calling the dedicated Help Scheme number for free on 0800 40 85 901, to either apply, or to find out how the Help Scheme can make it easy to go digital for a low cost. Eligible people can also nominate someone else to make their application for them.
The Help Scheme offers eligible people equipment to switch one TV to digital, installation, a demonstration of how it works and someone to call while they're getting used to it.
Everyone who sends their application form back promptly will get help in plenty of time for final switchover on November 20.
To make sure everyone in Borders gets the message, the Help Scheme has already run local radio and poster advertising and is working alongside Digital UK with local charities and organisations to spread the word.
Sumera Bashir, Help Scheme spokesperson, said: "We are urging everyone who has had the letter and not yet responded to get in touch as soon as possible to ensure they receive help quickly. People could be enjoying the benefits of digital television in a matter of weeks if they get in touch now."
Feedback from those who have already been helped by the Help Scheme has been incredibly positive. All the installations quality checked so far have achieved a 100% satisfaction rate.
The Help Scheme is run by the BBC through an agreement with the Government, and has been designed around the needs of older and disabled people. Equipment has been chosen to be easy to use, and contact centre, delivery staff and installers have all been trained to understand and respect older and disabled people. Installers are vetted, carry identification and will never call without having made an appointment.
ENDS