Digital Switchover: The Community Outreach Programme

Digital Television Switchover is the process of converting the UK's terrestrial television system to digital. Between now and 2012, analogue channels will be switched off region by region and replaced with free-to-air digital TV and radio services (Freeview). Switchover will extend Freeview coverage to the whole of the UK and free up airwaves for new services such as ultra-fast wireless broadband and mobile television.

Digital UKDigital Outreach has been commissioned by Digital UK to deliver the Community Outreach Programme for the switchover from analogue to digital television. The Digital Switchover Community Outreach Programme supports people who do not qualify for the government's Switchover Help Scheme, but who nevertheless need or would like some assistance or advice in making the switch from analogue to digital TV.

Television is a source of entertainment and information. It can also be a form of comfort or companionship to some people, particularly those who are housebound or infirm. The availability of digital TV will bring many benefits, such as more channels and advanced features, and it is important that everyone knows what to do to ensure they will be able to receive digital television after the switchover, and the process does not cause undue worry, concern or unhappiness.

We are rooted in the voluntary sector and we achieve our aims by working with and through trusted voluntary sector and charitable organisations. In each region we enable local organisations to support older, disabled and other potentially vulnerable local people, by providing information and speakers for events or drop-ins, training volunteers and developing a network of help and advice for older, disabled, vulnerable and disadvantaged people to help them make the switch.