Rural Community Councils to help delivery of Digital TV Switchover

Oxfordshire Rural Community Council (ORCC), Gloucestershire Rural Community Council (GRCC) and Community Impact Bucks (CIB) have joined forces to mobilise an army of charities and volunteers to help residents make the switch to digital TV in Oxfordshire, parts of Berkshire and Buckinghamshire.

The Rural Community Councils (RCCs) are working with other charities and voluntary groups to prepare people for the switchover, which started in Central on 6 April 2011.  The appointment has been made on behalf of Digital UK, the independent body in charge of switchover.

The RCCs will mobilise local charities across Oxfordshire, parts of Berkshire and Buckinghamshire to hold events and presentations, giving advice on how to switch over to digital TV.  Charity staff and volunteers will be invited to attend free briefing sessions to understand the process and learn about the Switchover Help Scheme.  Thousands of people are expected to benefit from the advice and support given at these events.

ORCC’s experience combined with extensive networks, membership and partners, make them ideally placed to work with local organisations to provide information, support and advice about switchover and the Help Scheme to people in the area.

Linda Watson, Chief Exective of ORCC, said: “Switching to digital TV will be straightforward for many people, but some others will need help, practical advice or reassurance.

“We look forward to working with our fellow charities to provide that support in Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire and help prepare the local community for switchover.  We will also encourage those who are eligible to apply for the Switchover Help Scheme.”

Local charities can apply for free briefing places, and for funding through a Small Grants Scheme set up to encourage extra events locally.  Materials developed to help run events and explain switchover will also be provided.

Peter Monteith, Digital UK’s Regional Manager in Central, welcomed the announcement saying “The outreach work planned to reach into the community is essential and will help to ensure everyone can enjoy the benefits of digital TV when switchover arrives”.

Digital UK will soon be holding roadshows across The Central TV Region to provide further face-to-face advice for anyone who needs it.

The Switchover Help Scheme, run by the BBC, has also been set up to make it easier for older and disabled people to switch to digital TV.  It is writing to eligible people in the area. People are eligible for the scheme if they are aged 75 years or more, have lived in a care home for six months or more, get (or could get) certain disability benefits, or are registered blind or partially sighted.

For more information about the switchover please contact Jayne Bullock, ORCC, Jericho Farm, Worton, Witney, Oxon OX29 4SZ.  Tel: 01865 883488.  Email: jayne.bullock@oxonrcc.org.uk