Age UK Isle of Wight is calling on the community for support following the closure of its Digital Friendly Island service due to the end of fixed-term funding.
The service, which provided vital support to older residents in navigating the digital world, has ceased operations, leaving five staff members without jobs.
A significant loss for the Isle of Wight community
Despite efforts to secure alternative funding, the charity was unable to sustain the service without further financial backing.
The closure of the Digital Friendly Island service is a significant loss for the Isle of Wight community, as it served hundreds of older individuals each year.
Digital Volunteers
Age UK Isle of Wight remains committed to supporting older residents who are offline and overlooked and is working tirelessly to assist them in any way possible.
The charity has enlisted the help of dedicated Digital Volunteers to continue running digital drop-ins at community venues across the Island, ensuring that older residents still have access to much-needed support.
The charity’s Good Neighbour Scheme will facilitate low-level digital support that can be delivered to individuals at home. Age UK Isle of Wight are actively exploring opportunities to continue delivering digital support in the community.
The importance of ongoing support
The closure of the Digital Friendly Island service underscores the importance of ongoing support from the community. No donation is too small, and every contribution helps Age UK Isle of Wight continue its crucial work on the Island.
Funding raised by the independent, local charity stays right here on the Isle of Wight and is essential for delivering services to older residents in need.
Bunce: Our commitment to supporting older residents remains unwavering
Maria Bunce, Chief Officer, at Age UK Isle of Wight, said,
“We are saddened by the closure of the Digital Friendly Island service, which serves as a stark reminder of the constant need for ongoing funding. We are grateful for support in whatever size it comes.
“While this service may have ended, our commitment to supporting older residents remains unwavering. We continue to run all our other services as usual, and your donations are crucial in helping us make a positive impact in the community.”
Show your support
To donate or learn more about how you can support Age UK Isle of Wight, please visit their website.
Alternatively, you can call on 01983 525282 or email fundraising@ageukiw.org.uk.
News shared by Cally on behalf of Age UK Isle of Wight. Ed
