End of the line for internet services for vulnerable people

LEICESTERSHIRE County County is planning to scrap a project that helps vulnerable, isolated, disabled and elderly people use computers and the internet because it needs to cut costs.

The Tory-run authority has proposed stopping its CareOnLine service, which has been used to get people online since 2001.

It says it costs £100,000 a year to run and is used by 350 people, in their own homes, who use it to learn about things such as online grocery shopping.

The council says other groups – mainly charities – now offer the same services and it would be “more economical’’ to direct users towards them instead.

However, some current users say CareOnLine is a vital means to keeping them connected to the wider world.

Over the years, the service has installed hundreds of pieces of hardware and software and helped thousands of people with more than 30 conditions, such as severe visual impairment, stroke, mental ill health, learning disability, MS, paraplegia and arthritis.

More than a third of clients have been aged over 75.

The council says groups such as AbilityNet, Vista andAge UK can offer people what CareOnLine has in the past.

One CareOnLine user, who asked not to be named, independently contacted all of the proposed replacement services but remains concerned.

She said: “I am virtually housebound like many other people that CareOnLine helps, and it is a lifeline for the disabled to learn new computer skills, which enables them to live more independently, like shopping for food online.

“If CareOnLine is closed down, we will all be further disabled by the loss of this valuable, life-enabling, awardwinning IT help at home service.’’

She said she feared alternative sources of provision are not equipped to meet the specialised needs of the users of the existing CareOnLine services.

The council finished a consultation on ending the service this week and insists no decisions have yet been taken. A spokesman said: “Over the next four years the council has to cut its costs by a further £50 million, in addition to the £178 million already saved. “The council is proposing to stop CareOnLine and use more costeffective ways to get people online.

“Since CareOnLine was first introduced, other organisations now offer a similar service.

“Many voluntary and community sector organisations have developed services which support people, including vulnerable adults, to become digitally enabled.

“More people are also able to access the internet and are familiar with computers and assistive technology and software is more affordable.

“As there are now more resources and support services available for people to access around their digital needs, the council wants to understand how the possible alternatives will meet service users needs.”

Nearly 60 people have signed an online petition to save the service.