We’re helping older and digitally excluded people to make the most of life in a digital world

Around 22% of over 65s still do not use the internet1. We want to change this, but we don’t just want to give older and digitally excluded 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+ in England, feel their IT skills are not good3

0 %

of internet users agree that the benefits of being online outweigh the risks, a drop from last year.4

1 Age UK Facts and figures about digital inclusion and older people
2 Estimates of the population for the UK, England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland - Office for National Statistics
3 Facts and figures about digital inclusion and older people (ageuk.org.uk)
4 Adults' Media Use and Attitudes 2026 Report

Working with AbilityNet

We’ve partnered with UK charity AbilityNet to deliver nationwide training since 2023, supported by our colleague volunteers. 

More and more everyday activities, from booking a doctor’s appointment, managing finances, to staying connected with loved ones, are increasingly difficult to do without the internet. We fund AbilityNet trainers in more than 12 regions to deliver small group sessions to help older people and adults with disabilities to develop the skills and confidence to thrive online. Our BT people can also sign up as AbilityNet volunteers to help support learners one on one.

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  the fun stuff too.

Created in partnership with AbilityNet, 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.

AbilityNet - in partnership with BT Group
AbilityNet - in partnership with BT Group

AbilityNet is a UK charity with a mission to build a digital world that is accessible to all. It helps support disabled and older people to use technology to achieve their goals at home, work and in education. AbilityNet has an amazing UK-wide team of more than 500 volunteers who offer in person and online support to teach people essential digital skills. 

Visit AbilityNet
Melanie Walters at AbilityNet event

Actress Melanie Walters encourages over 65s to get their digital training on track

We teamed up with Gavin & Stacey star Melanie Walters to help over 65s build their digital confidence and stay safe online. Walters joined a group of retirees on board a restored 1950s Pullman-style steam engine on the Epping-Ongar heritage railway for a day out with a difference - bringing modern tech to a classic setting to get their digital confidence back on track.

On board a group of seniors took part in digital workshops about online safety and put their new tech skills to the test. The sitcom star told how the session was a game-changer for the group, explaining “scams are now unfortunately part of everyday life, and that’s why these BT Group and AbilityNet sessions matter. They give people a safe place to share their worries without embarrassment and help them develop the confidence they need to protect themselves and be independent online”.

Would you or someone you know benefit from digital skills training? AbilityNet offer free in-person digital skills sessions, tailored to individual needs, to help provide people with the tools and confidence required for an independent digital life. 

Sign up for digital skill sessions

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 created created a Digital Dictionary to help breakdown some of the most commonly misunderstood terms.   

Take a look below: you can read it online or you can print off a copy to give to someone who might find it useful.

Top tips for digital helpers

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

Supporting the rollout of Digital Voice

The landline as we know it isn’t going away, but it is changing. By 2027, 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.

Supporting our customers

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.

Man using sign language

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. It includes information about the Home Essentials social tariff, the latest accessibility options and priority services for customers with long-term illnesses or disabilities.

Here for You website

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