Television continues to go digital in North Yorkshire!

The digital TV switchover is starting again for North Yorkshire from 12 September.  Analogue TV signals will be turned off and Freeview services boosted to reach all areas. After switchover, virtually all homes will be able to receive digital TV free via an aerial, including those served by local relay transmitters. A lot of people in North Yorkshire and York switched last year with the Yorkshire TV region - however as the county is in an overlap area we are now working on the Tyne Tees TV region. So where you live will depend on where you get your signal from and therefore when you switch (those who now receive the Yorkshire service are likely to find that they may have to retune again in September).

To find out when you switch and what your digital options are, visit www.digitaluk.co.uk/ or call Digital UK Adviceline on 08456 50 50 50.

What do you need to do?
• If you have 5 channels or fewer (i.e. analogue TV) on any of your sets, you will need to convert them to digital.
• If you have Freeview, Top Up TV or BT Vision, you will need to retune your digital TV or box at switchover or you will lose channels. Switchover is a two-stage process and you need to retune at both stages.
• If you have a satellite or cable service on all your sets, you will not need to retune as these are not affected by switchover.
• If you’re 75 and over, or eligible disabled, call the Switchover Help Scheme - they can provide everything you need to keep watching your TV.

The Switchover Help Scheme is run by the BBC under an agreement with the Government. If you are eligible for the Help Scheme, they will write to you to offer you practical help to convert one of your TV sets to digital.
For more information ring the helpline on 0800 40 85 900 for free or e-mail info@helpscheme.co.uk
You can also get more information at www.helpscheme.co.uk/

There are a range of free leaflets and resources available on request (including different formats and languages) - see below for more details about the Community Outreach Programme, or contact Jeanette or Claire at the Forum for details on ordering items, email jeanette.lilley@nyyforum.org.uk

How North Yorkshire & York Forum can help....

The Forum begins the delivery of the Community Outreach Programme for North Yorkshire again this month (February) thanks to funding from Digital Outreach Ltd, Digital UK and the BBC-run Switchover Help Scheme.

The role of the Community Outreach Programme is to help vulnerable people get ready for the Digital TV Switchover by providing charities, voluntary organisations and community groups/clubs with information, resources, training and a small grants scheme so that they/we can support their service users, members and clients. Our role is to let vulnerable people know what they do, and don't, need to do to get ready, and provide advice and signposting to support and help either via Digital UK or the Switchover Help Scheme if they are eligible.

You can request supplies of the free leaflets, information, support and guidance during the run-up to the switchover dates. Help is available to charities, voluntary organisations and community groups/clubs that support:
• older people (over 55 years)
• people who are socially / rurally isolated
• people with sensory, mobility or dexterity impairments
• people with learning disabilities / difficulties
• people who have mental health conditions
• people with English as a second language, BME groups, gypsies, travellers.
 
If you know about or are involved with local lunch clubs, coffee mornings, friends clubs or other community run groups then do let us know. We can arrange for someone to come and talk to participants and members and/or provide leaflets and resources. 
Please contact Claire Petty (North Yorkshire Coordinator) email claire.petty@nyyforum.org.uk or Jeanette (Project Support Officer) at the Forum on 01347 825710, or email jeanette.lilley@nyyforum.org.uk for more information and details of the support available.