Officers advise on digital switchover

Avon and Somerset Constabulary is getting involved in the ‘digital switchover’ by helping local residents as part of its ‘Helping Hand’ campaign.

The Bristol East neighbourhood team has received training to help members of the community who may be unaware of, or unable to make, the switch. The initiative is part of the national Switchover Help Scheme, which aims to ensure older and disabled people know about the help available to make the switch to digital television.

Sergeant Darren Warr from the Bristol East neighbourhood team said: “For many vulnerable people television can be a lifeline and we want to help ensure nobody is left with a blank screen at switchover time.”

With less than a month to go to until switchover in the Avon and Somerset area, policing teams and community support officers are looking out for those that might need help and passing on information about the scheme.

Ed Jezard, West regional manager for the Switchover Help Scheme, said: “We want to ensure that every eligible person knows about the Switchover Help Scheme. Avon and Somerset Police is doing a great job by lending a helping hand to older and disabled people in this way.”

Avon and Somerset’s Neighbourhood Watch coordinators are also helping older and disabled people in their communities to make contact with the help scheme.