Digital Inclusion

Age Well East’s Digital Friends is a free service supporting people with limited access to their community aged 60 and over across Essex who would like help using everyday technology. Delivered by Age Well East volunteers, the service supports older adults in the comfort of their own homes, helping them gain confidence with digital skills so they can stay connected, informed and independent.

Our trained Digital Friends volunteers provide relaxed, one-to-one support at a pace that feels comfortable and reassuring. Each session is tailored to the individual and can include help with using a smartphone or tablet, setting up and managing email, accessing NHS and GP online services, downloading and using the NHS App, shopping safely online, and keeping in touch with family and friends through video calls and messaging. Our Digital Friends can also support people to book appointments and access local services online. All our Digital Friends are DBS-checked and offer patient, friendly guidance.

Learning to use digital technology can make everyday life easier and open up new ways to stay connected. Being online can help people keep in touch with loved ones, access health services and important information, shop and manage everyday tasks from home, and feel less isolated. Building digital confidence supports independence and helps older adults remain active and informed members of their community. Digital Friends focuses on removing barriers and ensuring people feel supported in an increasingly digital world.