Burnham Welcomes Digital Switchover Help Scheme

10.00.00am GMT Tue 13th Jan 2009

Eleanor Burnham AM has welcomed the launch of a campaign aimed at providing support for older and disabled people during the digital switchover.

Eleanor, AM for North Wales and Welsh Liberal Democrat Shadow Minister for Culture, Communities and Equality said, " I am really pleased with this initiative. For many people with mobility difficulties television is a major link to what is going on in the world. The thought of the digital switchover has been a worry for some people and this scheme will no doubt come as a great relief to them.

"The scheme will not only raise awareness through advertising, but has other benefits as well. Eligible people who are aged 75 or over, who get or could get certain disability benefits, who are resident in a care home or who are registered blind or partially sighted can get help to switch one of their TVs to digital for £40 or free if they are also on income benefits.

"There is a website http://www.helpscheme.co.uk as well as a freephone telephone number 0800 408 5900 and an email address info@helpscheme.co.uk and I would encourage anyone who thinks they or a friend or relative may be eligible to make contact."