Age Concern and Help the Aged, supported by BT, will today announce their Internet Champions for 2010.

The Champions will be ambassadors for the Charity to show the 6.4 million older people who have never used the internet that they too can enjoy the many benefits it has to offer.

Martha Lane Fox, the Government’s Digital Technology Champion, will officially announce Lucy Berry, 80, and Frederick Briggs, 72, as our Internet Champions for 2010 at the Ritz Hotel in London later today.

An important role

 

Lucy Berry‚ 80‚ our new Internet Champion

The role of the Internet Champions will be particularly important because research commissioned by Age Concern and Help the Aged, with BT, found that older people were more likely to be interested in using the internet and similar technology if their peers were doing so.

Statistics also show that when older people do use the internet they spend more time online than younger adults, suggesting that older people are just as interested in the internet as anyone else - they just need a chance to use it.

Transforming lives

 

Frederik Briggs‚ 72‚ our new Internet Champion

The internet has transformed the lives of both Champions.

Lucy Berry, joint Internet Champion for 2010, said:

'I never had much interest in technology before, but since being online my life has opened up. Last year, for example, we had Christmas over a web camera so I could see my son and grandson in Australia open their presents in front of me. Although I had some concerns about using the internet it has made a real difference and wasn’t nearly as difficult to use as I thought.'

'Although I had some concerns about using the internet it has made a real difference and wasn’t nearly as difficult to use as I thought.'

Frederick Briggs, joint Internet Champion for 2010, said:

'I started using the internet when I saw an advert for a computer class at my local Age Concern. At first I was nervous about attending as I didn’t want to look like an idiot in front of people, but I managed to pluck up the courage and haven’t looked back. All the tutors were really helpful and patient, particularly a 17-year-old student who walked me through how to get online.

'I now use the internet for everything from talking to my children and grandchildren online, to booking trips away. The internet has made a real difference to my life, so I would encourage any older people to give it a try – it’s never too late.'

Anyone can get online

Michelle Mitchell, Charity Director at Age Concern and Help the Aged, commented:

'All too often the internet is seen as something exclusively for young people, but in fact it has something for everyone and can make a genuine difference to the lives of older people. The Internet Champions show that with a little training, anyone can get online, even those who have never used a computer before.'

'We are delighted that Lucy and Frederick are the Age Concern and Help the Aged Internet Champions for 2010 and look forward to working with them to encourage other older people to get online.'

For more information about receiving training and advice in your local area call 0800 00 99 66, visit www.ageconcern.org.uk/it or visit your local library or UK Online Centre.