The Nationaal Ouderenfonds (National Foundation for the Elderly), in conjunction with VodafoneZiggo and Samsung, has launched a free telephone helpdesk for the elderly in the Netherlands called Welcome Online.
The Nationaal Ouderenfonds realises that due to developments regarding the coronavirus, 'being online' is now even more important to the elderly. Being online enables and maintains contact with distant family, friends, neighbours and others. The digital programme Welcome Online helps those who have trouble keeping up with the digital world. Elderly people can use the programme to learn or hone their skills alone, with the help of a volunteer, or in groups. Between Monday 16 March and Monday 6 April, our volunteers are not allowed to make personal visits. For this reason, we have set up the telephone helpdesk Welcome Online, where the elderly can turn to with any digital issues that they may have.
The helpdesk is staffed by volunteers of the Ouderenfonds and VodafoneZiggo.
Examples of questions people can ask include:
- How do I video chat?
- How do I stay in contact through social media?
- How can I play games with others?
- Where can I find the latest information on the coronavirus?
The helpdesk Welcome Online is available daily, between 9.00 a.m. and 5.00 p.m. on +31 (0)88-344 2000.
You can find more information regarding this initiative on the website of the Nationaal Ouderenfonds: https://www.ouderenfonds.nl/helpdesk-welkom-online