People in Dorset have been embracing a digital life during the latest lockdown.

From 5 January to 5 February, the Dorset Digital Hotline received 132 calls – its biggest ever monthly total and nearly three times the average monthly calls it received in the last quarter of 2020.

Operated by volunteer Digital Champions, the hotline has helped people in the last month with a wide-range of enquiries, from using Zoom to what device they can buy.

The hotline was set up by Dorset Council in March last year during the first lockdown and when the Digital Champions were no longer able to help people face to face in libraries.

Dorset Council’s deputy leader, Cllr Peter Wharf, said, “It’s clear that this demand on our hotline shows digital support is at its most needed when the country is in total lockdown.

“Right now, we are so reliant on digital to support us in working and schooling from home, connecting with family and friends and using online services.

“If people are experiencing digital problems, or just need general advice on using devices and getting online, it’s more important than ever that they can get help.

“I’m so pleased residents and businesses in Dorset are using our hotline and our Digital Champions to assist them during these difficult times.”

On day one of lockdown three, the first call to the hotline was from a gentleman who had tested positive for Covid-19 and needed help with arranging online shopping delivery slots.

Other calls received during January included a woman whose tablet froze while she was in the middle of internet banking and a partially-sighted resident who needed help on how to make her screen larger. A school that needed advice on clearing old information from laptops it had received as a gift also got in touch.

Digital Champion, Beverly Barker, said, “The volume of calls we received in the last month has shown how many more people are turning to digital devices to stay connected with friends and families, shop for the things they want and access the services they need.

“We are here to help with any problem, no matter how big or small. If we cannot help right there and then, we will search out solutions and go back to the caller.

“People should not suffer in silence; please call us if you have questions or find yourself stuck.”

The Digital Hotline – 01305 221048 – is open Mondays to Fridays from 10am to midday (except Bank Holidays). Outside of these times you can leave a message and someone will get back to you.