Fairhill pupils lend a helping hand on digital switchover

With only six weeks to go to switchover, Fair Hill pupils are urging district residents to follow in their footsteps and think of someone they know who may need help switching to digital.

Principal Mrs. Cynthia Clinghan and her pupils are backing the Switchover Help Scheme’s ‘Helping Hand’ campaign to make sure every eligible older and disabled person in the area knows about the help they can get from the BBC-run Help Scheme to convert one of their TV sets to digital.

Mrs Clinghan said, “Television is important for many people and although most people will find switching to digital easy, there are some members of our community who may struggle. We want to let older and disabled people know that there is no need to worry as help is available and the Help Scheme can provide everything they need to make the switch.

“Our pupils have been spreading the word about the Help Scheme to grandparents by passing on Help Scheme bookmarks and information. We are asking local residents to join in and tell friends, family and neighbours about the Help Scheme to ensure that no one is left with a blank screen at switchover.”

Northern Ireland will begin to switch to digital on October 19. Eligible people have been posted a Help Scheme information pack explaining the offer and will be getting a follow up reminder letter.

However, Mrs Clinghan and her pupils are urging everyone who has already switched to digital to reach out to those older and disabled people they know who may still need help, and have not yet made contact with the Help Scheme.

If you would like to find out more about the Help Scheme and who is eligible to apply, please log onto helpscheme.co.uk.