Libraries offer digital TV advice

The Help Scheme staff will be visiting libraries across Northern Ireland to spread the word about the Switchover Help Scheme which can make switching to digital TV easier for those who may struggle with the process.

Anyone who would like to find out more information can drop in to Ballymoney Library where a Help Scheme advisor can talk you through everything you need to know about the Switchover Help Scheme.

Visit the library on 18th July from 10am – noon.

Manager for the Switchover Help Scheme in Northern Ireland, Nigel Tilson said: ”We offer help to every eligible person in the region by writing to them directly. All eligible people will have received an information pack that clearly explains all the options available to them and dropping in to the library provides an excellent opportunity to find out more.”

Learning Development Manager with Libraries NI Kim Aiken said: “One of the aims of Libraries NI is to promote key information services to the public, so by working with the BBC-run Switchover Help Scheme staff, we can invite people to call into libraries across Northern Ireland to avail of free information and advice on how to make the digital switchover in the most hassle-free way possible.”

People are eligible for the Help Scheme if they are:

- Aged 75 or over, or

- Have lived in a care home for six months or more, or

- Get (or could get):

Disability Living Allowance (DLA), or

Attendance or Constant Attendance Allowance, or

Mobility supplement, or

- Are registered blind or partially sighted.

Most people will be asked to pay £40 towards the help which includes:

- Easy-to-use equipment to convert one set

- An approved installer to supply and install the necessary equipment, and

- A 12-month aftercare service including a free helpline.

The service is free for people who are eligible and who also receive pension credit income support, income-based jobseeker’s allowance or income-related employment and support allowance.

For the same price of £40 or free, people in Northern Ireland can also choose a Freeview HD box which can receive TG4, RTE One and RTE Two, where coverage is available. That option also includes installation and aftercare. Other options and equipment are also available, some at an extra cost, and these are outlined in the information pack.

For further information regarding the Switchover Help Scheme visit helpscheme.co.uk or call 0800 40 87 654.

For details of all Northern Ireland libraries, go to www.librariesni.org.uk