Everybody Needs Good Neighbours

Most Londoners yearn to be more neighbourly even though two thirds of them don’t know their neighbours’ names, according to new research*.

The Switchover Help Scheme unveiled the survey results to launch its Helping Hand campaign in the London TV region, which offers people in London and the south east a simple way to be more neighbourly and assist others in making the switch to digital television by April 4th.

Nearly half of people in the London TV region (46%) get a sense of belonging from being neighbourly, and around three in 10 (29%) see a great benefit in being able to do their bit for others.

Some Londoners are already willing to help neighbours in need, with the survey finding that a third (33%) currently do so, from going to the supermarket (29%) or lending a hand with chores and DIY (28%), to providing company if they are lonely (27%).  

But while 63% of Londoners claim being neighbourly is important the findings reveal a number of barriers are stopping people from interacting with their nearby residents:

• More than half (56%) said that lack of time means they struggle to make an effort with their neighbours
• Fear of appearing nosey was also the reason for more than a quarter (27%) keeping themselves to themselves
• A fifth blame limited opportunities in their community to get involved with other local people

Some older and disabled viewers may still need to make the switch, and if they don’t they will lose access to TV channels starting on April 4. The BBC-run Switchover Help Scheme is at hand to provide everything they need to switch one TV set to digital. This includes easy to use equipment, an approved installer to supply and install the equipment, and a 12 month aftercare service including a free helpline. Most eligible people will be asked to pay £40 towards the standard option of help. For eligible people on income-related benefits, it’s free.

Londoners can ‘lend a Helping Hand’ simply by telling older and disabled people about the Switchover Help Scheme, to make sure they apply in time. Bookmarks and flyers make it easy.

Helping Hand leaflets and bookmarks to pass on to eligible people can be picked up at public information points, laundrettes, libraries and Help Scheme events. To find an event happening in your area visit www.helpscheme.co.uk/london/events.

Eligible people have been posted a Help Scheme information pack explaining the offer and need to return their completed form to the Help Scheme, or call free on 0800 408 7654.  Any eligible person who needs help to apply can nominate someone else to complete their form for them.

Samantha Latouche, regional Help Scheme manager for London says: “Many older and disabled people may be concerned or confused about making the switch to digital television. By getting involved with the Helping Hand campaign and doing something as simple as passing on a leaflet or bookmark to spread the word, you can ensure your eligible neighbours know about the support available and help them get ready for the changes on April 4th.”

To apply for help from the Switchover Help Scheme, or to find out if you are eligible, call free on 0800 40 87 654, or visit www.digitaluk.co.uk for general information about digital switchover.