Around 61% of the older community still do not regularly use the internet1. We want to change this, but we don’t just want to give older people the digital skills and confidence they need: we want to help inspire and motivate them to unlock the possibilities of being online.
0
m
people in the UK are aged 65+2
0
%
of people aged 65+ lack the skills to use the internet independently3
0
%
of internet users agree being online helps them to learn new skills4
Working with AbilityNet
AbilityNet believes in a digital world that is accessible to all. They help support disabled and older people with using technology to achieve their goals at home, work and in education. AbilityNet has an amazing UK-wide team of over 300 volunteers who offer support to communities or on a one-to-one basis to teach people essential digital skills.
. . .More and more everyday activities, such as booking a doctor’s appointment, managing finances, and booking home deliveries, are increasingly difficult to do without the internet.
If you know someone who would benefit from digital skills training, we’ve got the resources to support you and them in getting to grips with the online world: from learning the basics to everyday tasks and even the fun stuff too.
Created in partnership with AbilityNet (see box), our digital fact sheets contain everything you need to know about the digital world, whether you’re finding out new things for yourself or helping someone else get online.
Digital Dictionary
Getting to grips with digital terms
If you or someone you know is just getting started in the online world, the first step will be trying to understand the jargon that comes with it. However, with new digital words and phrases appearing almost every day, that can be easier said than done.
So, we've teamed up with lexicographer extraordinaire, Susie Dent, to help breakdown some of the most commonly misunderstood terms with the Digital Dictionary.
Take a look here at the Digital Dictionary: you can read it online or you can print off a copy to give to someone who might find it useful.
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Digital Dictionary (pdf - 657 KB)
Breaking the online world down into four easy topics (getting started, learning the basics, everyday tasks, personal interests), our fact sheets are easily downloadable and can be printed at home for convenience.
Each one comes with both a digital helper section (for the volunteer) and a learner section too, depending on who you are.
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Getting to know your laptop or desktop computer
pdf - 241 KB
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Getting to know your smartphone or tablet
pdf - 180 KB
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Getting started using the internet
pdf - 274 KB
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Digital Dictionary – understanding tech jargon
pdf - 122 KB
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Getting started with emails
pdf - 214 KB
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Downloading apps: Android devices
pdf - 178 KB
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Downloading apps: Apple devices
pdf - 185 KB
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Identifying online scams
pdf - 153 KB
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Moving to Digital Voice, BT’s home phone service
pdf - 226 KB
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Helping your learner move to 4G and 5G
pdf - 159 KB
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Making the most of online GP services
pdf - 168 KB
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Helping you to use the NHS App
pdf - 199 KB
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Accessing public services online
pdf - 510 KB
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Online shopping
pdf - 210 KB
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Online banking
pdf - 188 KB
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Setting up a social media account
pdf - 312 KB
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Helping your learner use social media safely
pdf - 107 KB
Be patient
Not everyone learns at the same pace, so it’s okay if it takes someone a little time to understand
Repeat
You might need to cover certain things more than once. Don’t worry if you have to repeat yourself, practice makes perfect
Time
Make sure you have plenty of time, so no one is rushed
No distractions
Try to find somewhere quiet so that there’s no distractions around you
The landline as we know it isn’t going away, but it is changing. By December 2025, the old analogue technology which has supported phone and broadband services for decades will be switched off and replaced by newer, digital technology. The switch from analogue to digital landlines is an industry-wide upgrade and has already started in many countries including Germany, France, Australia and Japan.
Landline calls will be made using a handset in the same way as today and BT’s digital home phone service, Digital Voice, will see calls made over a broadband connection and comes with lots of features included like Call Protect and Voicemail.
We understand that any change can be unsettling. That’s why we are here to support our customers every step of the way, to make the switch to a digital home phone service as seamless as possible. We’ll use our partnership with AbilityNet to provide support in communities across the country and together we’ll develop a range of digital skills to help the older generation make the most of life in the digital world.
Making life easier for people with additional needs
If you’re a BT customer, our Here for You website brings together BT’s wide range of products, services and support for those who need extra help in one easy-to-navigate place. It includes information about the newly launched Home Essentials social tariff, the latest accessibility options and priority services for customers with long-term illnesses or disabilities.
