The Mayor of Bridport has made suggestions on how computer literacy could be improved in the town, to help residents struggling in the digital age.

Cllr Ian bark has signposted residents to services already available to help them with technical problems, and made suggestions on what more can be done.

He said: "I was contacted by a local resident recently who brought to my attention that various studies have shown that around 42% of people over 75 do not use the internet.

"This, given the ever increasing way in which we are being forced to live our lives digitally is rather shocking.

"The closure of high street banks, cashless parking machines, using eConsult to get GP appointments and the mooted closure of railway ticket offices are just three examples of the way in which those who do not use the internet are increasingly being disenfranchised.

"I consider myself to be IT savvy having worked with computers in one shape or form for much of my life. But even I struggled to negotiate my way through the Government Gateway to register for my state pension a few years ago and finally resorted to using the telephone.

"If someone like me finds it a challenge to negotiate my way through some of the online systems now in place, what hope is there for someone with little or no IT expertise?"

The mayor made the following suggestions on how computer literacy could be improved in Bridport:

• Make IT support a part of what is available at the Warm Hubs.
• Put IT support on the agenda of community groups such as the WI, Gardening Club, U3A, churches etc in order to build up a register of members potentially in need of support.
• Establish a network of volunteers who are willing to spend a little time supporting others with their IT.
• Use some of the funds raised by groups such as the Lions, Rotary etc to provide basic IT hardware to those in need.

He has also signposted residents to services already available to help.

Dorset Council, working with its team of volunteer Digital Champions, is running a free digital hotline, to help anyone in Dorset with computer queries, including helping people get online for the first time.

Help is available over the phone for:

• Setting up video calls such as Skype and FaceTime to keep in contact with friends and family
• Providing help to get online for grocery shopping 
• Setting up and using new devices 
• Support for all digital NHS services and eConsult 
• Support to use all digital appliances and solve problems 

Anyone can call the Dorset Digital Hotline with an IT question on  01305 221000 (Option 2) weekdays from 10am to 12 noon. Outside those times, please leave a message.

Age UK North, South & West Dorset offer help with the purchase and set-up of broadband and equipment (computers, laptops, notebooks and smart phones). They can also teach you how to use them and get you online! To find out more call: 01305 269444.

For any queries not solvable by telephone, Age UK can can also do a COVID safe home visit to offer one-to-one IT support. This is charged at £19 an hour.