EE, the largest digital communications provider in the UK and also the largest mobile operator in the country has announced the 9th of September 2014 as the EE National Techy Tea Party Day, bringing its Techy Tea Party events, which have been taking place at a smaller scale as local initiatives since 2012, to a national level. EE is partnering with Age UK, a charity organization committed to addressing the needs and welfare of people over 60 years of age in the UK for the initiative.
EE's Techy Tea Parties which were organized across EE offices, call centers and communities ventures have proven to meet their intended objectives which is to increase the levels of digital literacy and tackle digital exclusion, especially among the less 'connected' groups within the society such as the older generation who are out of touch with the developments in internet and mobile communications. The Techy Tea Parties have won the Prime Minister's Big Society Award for their contribution. EE said in its statement that 4.8 million people of the 6 million people in UK who have never been online are those aged 65 and above.
EE also said that almost 2000 of its staff will be involved in the EE National Techy Tea Party event, dedicating 90 minutes of their time on that day to assist attendees of the event to grasp basic digital skills and update their knowhow on operating their mobile devices and learning the uses and benefits of being connected to the internet. Age UK ambassador, June Whitfield CBE has already kickstarted the nationwide initiative with a special Techy Tea Party at the Age UK East London Computer Centre in Hackney to encourage more participants to sign up for the big event. EE's customers can expect over 500 stores in UK to close their tills from 9.30 am to 11 am, with no sales or top-up transactions being available during that period.
“There are huge benefits to being connected in a world that is becoming increasingly digital but technology is moving so fast and it can be hard to keep up. Through EE National Techy Tea Party Day we want to use our staff’s expert knowledge to help those most in need develop these key digital skills.”
- Olaf Swantee, CEO of EE
“Older people tell us technology can be daunting and they are not quite sure how to use it or how to get online. Age UK locally helps thousands of people in later life to get to grips with technology, gaining skills and confidence to use the Internet. EE National Techy Tea Party Day will give older people the chance on the high street to experience what the Internet can offer such as keeping in touch with loved ones, discovering new hobbies, and saving money by shopping around.”
- Lucy Hastings, Lead for Digital Inclusion at Age UK
