Dixons Carphone announces Age UK as its new headline charity partner

Dixons Carphone recently announced Age UK as its new headline charity partner, and the two organisations are already taking action together to provide vital tech support to vulnerable older people through the current coronavirus pandemic. The business behind Currys PC World and Carphone Warehouse began the partnership by sending hundreds of free laptops, mobile phones, SIM cards and headsets to Age UK’s Silver Line helpline teams, so they can maintain their vital support to older people who especially need support during this crisis. The two organisations are working together at pace to find more ways to help older people through the coronavirus emergency. Dixons Carphone chose Age UK as their charity partner after it won almost half of votes in a poll of thousands of colleagues. Age UK’s mission is to give friendship, advice and practical support for older people and their families when they need it most, while Dixons Carphone exists to help everyone, including those who might otherwise be excluded, benefit from amazing technology. Together they aim to deliver digital support to thousands of older people, equipping them with essential tech skills, strengthening connections with friends and family and enabling them to make the most of the benefits of being online. Over the next two years, the partnership will pull together the nationwide presence and expertise of both organisations, with a range of technology to combat loneliness, improve mental health, grow self-esteem and confidence and increase independence and community participation for older people. Dixons Carphone Chief Executive, Alex Baldock, said: “We couldn’t have a better charity partner than Age UK, especially now. We’re already supporting their critical service to older people during these unprecedented times by giving their staff vital technology and are working together at pace on other initiatives to help in the current emergency. “Covid-19 is a threat to everyone, but to older people above all, to their mental as well as physical health. Many are very anxious at the prospect of being alone for a long time. We can’t allow that isolation to become any more difficult than it already is. “Technology can keep friends and family connected, wherever they are, as well as keep us entertained, productive and healthy. Longer-term, our partnership with Age UK aims to bring the benefits of amazing technology into the lives of many more older people. But right now, our immediate priority is to harness the power of technology to fight the isolating threat of this virus, and work to prevent a physical health crisis becoming a mental health crisis too”. Age UK Chief Executive, Steph Harland, said: “Age UK is delighted to partner with Dixons Carphone to support older people, especially during this unprecedented crisis. We’re both committed to ensuring everyone has the opportunity to access and benefit from amazing technology. Together, we can help older people to gain the skills and confidence to enjoy the benefits using technology can bring, and together we can make a real difference for older people through this crisis. Dixons Carphone’s immediate gift of vital technology for our staff has been a brilliant start.”