Dorset Council’s digital champions, who used to hold regular surgeries in libraries, have continued offering their expertise throughout the coronavirus crisis via the Digital Hotline.

During the current lockdown, and beyond, help is on hand for those with any digital enquiry such as setting up Zoom meetings, FaceTiming friends and family on their smartphones, ordering shopping online or resolving problems with equipment such as laptops.

Dorset Council’s deputy leader, Cllr Peter Wharf, said, “One of the most important things that helped get us through the last lockdown was the ability to digitally stay in touch with our loved ones.

“Our digital world also enabled people to work from home, helped businesses stay alive and allowed children to keep up with their education. Technology can make a huge difference to people’s lives and help them feel less isolated.”

Digital Champion, Andy Penney, said: “We would urge people to call us with whatever digital issue they may have, however big or small the problem may seem.

“A lockdown during the winter is likely to be a particularly difficult period for many people but technology can really help by keeping everyone better connected while making life easier.”

Anyone can call the Dorset Digital Hotline with a digital question on 01305 221048 weekdays from 10am to 12noon.

When calling outside those times people can leave a message and a Digital Champion will get back to them.