News Release

29th June 2010

SWITCHOVER HELP SCHEME IS HELPING OLDER AND DISABLED PEOPLE IN STV NORTH TO SWITCH TO DIGITAL

The Switchover Help Scheme is helping older and disabled people across Morayshire, Strathspey and parts of Easter Ross to make the switch to digital TV.

Over the past few months, the Help Scheme has been writing to eligible people across the STV North area inviting them to apply for help to convert one TV to digital in time for switchover this September.

Most eligible people in the Knockmore transmitter group area, covering Morayshire, Strasthspey and parts of Easter Ross, will have received their first letter and information pack containing details about how to apply, an explanation of all of the available options and prices for going digital with the Switchover Help Scheme. However some people still need to respond in order to get the help in time for switchover.

One customer who has already taken up the offer of help is William Common, from Bauds, Buckie.

William said: “I’ve had a great experience with the Switchover Help Scheme. Everyone I’ve spoken to has been so pleasant – from the people answering the phones to the installer who turned up to fit the equipment. I’ve asked lots of questions along the way and they really helped to explain the whole process to me, which was very reassuring for someone of my age.

“Now I can get on and watch my favourite programmes without the worry of the screen going blank in a few months time. “

Help Scheme representative, Jacky Campbell, visited William at his home in Bauds. She is just one of around six Help Scheme experts working throughout the area helping eligible people like William to make the switch to digital TV as easy as possible.

Jacky said: “Not everyone finds getting used to new equipment very easy but once you take the time to explain to someone how a new remote control works and how to access the new TV channels most people wonder why they were worried in the first place.

“We’d never leave anyone’s home without being sure that they fully understood how to use their new equipment. But, if someone has any questions once we’ve gone, they can always call the Help Scheme on 0800 408 7654 for up to a year later to get more help.”

The Knockmore transmitter group covering Morayshire, Strathspey and parts of Easter Ross is the eighth transmitter in the STV North region to make the switch to digital TV. Those living in the Knockmore transmitter area will start to switch on 8 September 2010.
People are eligible for the Help Scheme if:

• They are aged 75 or over; or
• They have lived in a care home for six months or more; or
• They get (or could get) disability living allowance, or attendance or constant attendance allowance, or mobility supplement; or
• They are registered blind or partially sighted

Most eligible people will be asked to pay £40 towards the standard offer of help which in the STV North region is Freeview.  For eligible people who are also on pension credit, income support, income-based jobseeker’s allowance, or employment and support allowance, it’s free.
All eligible people in the STV North region can also choose from other digital options. These include freesat and Sky amongst others, some of which cost extra.

People need to respond to get the help. Completed information pack forms can be returned to the Help Scheme, but to make it even easier to apply, eligible people can  call the Help Scheme free on 0800 408 7654.

In addition, any eligible person who needs help to apply can nominate someone else to complete their form for them.

The Help Scheme is run by the BBC under an agreement with the Government and has been specially designed around the needs of older and disabled people. Equipment has been specifically chosen for ease of use and the Help Scheme contact centre, delivery staff and installers have all been trained to understand and respect older and disabled people. All installers have undertaken Criminal Records Bureau checks, carry identification and will never call without having made an appointment.