Ref: PRSH77
 Date: October 13 2015 

Older people on the net as UK marks Get Online Week

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As the UK celebrates nationalGet Online Week (October 12-18), a Stafford-based housing association is helping its older customers to explore the internet - many for the first time.

Stafford and Rural Homes (SARH) is building on its relationship with a local technology firm to provide free wi-fi across to customers living in accommodation aimed at over-55s.

Keycom, which is also based in Stafford, is helping SARH customers to make the most of the internet by rolling out a state-of-the-art broadband wi-fi network across a number of the housing association's You First Independent Living schemes in Stafford and surrounding areas.

As a result, many SARH customers can now surf the web on mobile phones, tablets and computers without needing to pay for a fixed line or commit to a long-term contract.

Over recent months, a number of switch-on events have enabled SARH customers to meet with Keycom engineers, who helped them connect to the network and find their way around the web.

Karen Armitage, SARH Chief Executive, commented: "Get Online Week is a national campaign that's close to our own heart as we've made great efforts this year to help customers, of all ages, to get the most out of the internet.

"As well as launching a new website, which helps customers to access information and services more easily, we've been actively encouraging people to get to grips with the internet as a means to save money, find a job or to simply stay in touch with friends and family."

By using radio links the new network installed by Keycom also allows individual homes to be connected, as well as SARH offices and some of the 19 Independent Living Schemes run by the housing association.

Karen added: "We are particularly pleased that a number of our You First Independent Living schemes are covered by the new network. It further adds to the appeal of our self-contained apartments that are home to a diverse range of people, from those who want the reassurance of being part of a secure community to many who just want a smaller, more manageable home as they get older."

Further information about Get Online Week can be found atwww.getonlineweek.com.

Caption:

Keycom engineer Carl Johnson helps SARH customer Sandra Bottrell to get connected at Hopton Court in Stafford.

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Editor's Notes

Media contact:

Martin Farrow

CHANGEWORKS Communications
t:  + 44 (0) 1785 247588

m: +44 (0)7771 970025

e: mfarrow@changeworkscom.co.uk

Stafford and Rural Homes contact:

Mara Hargreaves
Marketing Manager

t:01785 216793 (Direct) 

m:07800 619 863 (Mobile)  

e: mara.hargreaves@sarh.co.uk