News Release

28th July 2010

Help Scheme on hand for Digital TV Switchover in Channel Islands

Older and disabled people living in the Channel Islands are being urged to watch out for Switchover Help Scheme information packs that explain how they can get extra help to convert one TV to digital in time for switchover.

On Wednesday 17 November 2010, switchover reaches the Channel Islands and the Help Scheme is launching a public information campaign today (21 July) to ensure those eligible for assistance are ready for the change.

Launching the information packs in Jersey, Caroline Byng, regional manager for the Help Scheme visited the home of eligible person and St Helier resident Dorrie Martin to oversee the installation of her freesat equipment by a Help Scheme engineer.

The Help Scheme, run by the BBC under an agreement with the States of Jersey and States of Guernsey, offers practical help to older and disabled people and is writing to everyone eligible in the Channel Islands before switchover.

Most eligible people will receive their first letter and information pack between 26 July and 13 August. Details about how to apply, an explanation of all of the available options and prices are clearly set out in the information pack.

Caroline Byng, Regional Manager for the Switchover Help Scheme in the Channel Islands said, “Switchover is coming soon and people can start to get ready now. I’m focused on making sure that all older and disabled members of our community know about help they can get from the Help Scheme - there is no need to worry because help is available. All you need to do once you receive your information pack is to either give us a call or return your completed form.”

Dorrie Martin (76) from St Helier is one of those people eligible for assistance through the Help Scheme. She added, “Now the packs are being sent out in the Channel Islands, I would advocate the use of the Help Scheme – it’s definitely worth taking up.”

Eligible people in the Channel Islands will be offered freesat equipment and installation as standard. Most people aged 75 and over, eligible for certain disability benefits (*listed in notes to editors), registered blind or partially sighted or living in care homes will be asked to pay £40 towards the standard offer of help.

For £40, they will be given equipment to switch one TV per household to digital. They will be able to have that equipment installed if they want it, a demonstration of how it works and a free phone number to call for a year after switchover. If they’re eligible and also on income-related benefits, the help will be free.

Eligible people need to respond to get the help. Completed information pack forms can be returned by post to the Help Scheme, or, to make it even easier to apply, eligible people can also choose to call the Help Scheme free on 0800 408 7654. More information is available from helpscheme.co.uk.

After switchover, virtually all households in the Channel Islands will be able to receive Freeview digital channels for the first time. Viewers who get their TV signal from the Fremont Point transmitter (on Jersey) or one of its seven local relay transmitters across the Islands will see their choice of terrestrial channels increase from four to around 15.

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. All installers are vetted, carry identification and will never call without having made an appointment.

Ends