Championing consumers', citizens' and micro businesses' communications interests, by providing independent, expert advice to Ofcom, governments and industry.
Our research on the life-changing effects of improved rural connectivity is published, including video footage of consumers' and micro-businesses' true stories and our recommendations to help those left behind #rural#connectivity#fairness
ALT: man looking at phone in a field
Rural connectivity is vital and our research, video and recommendations are now published! We would like to thank our National Hubs and Consumer Advocacy Hubs participants in Northern Ireland, Wales, Scotland and England for their input into this work: bit.ly/3pU9xig
Communications Consumer Panel and ACOD’s response to Ofcom’s call for inputs on the future of the Universal Postal Service
communicationsconsumerpanel.…
We regularly talk to all kinds of people dealing with shame or embarrassment about their money worries. If you're struggling to pay off your debts, you should know you're not alone.
Our lovely colleague, Sam, breaks down this common debt myth 👇
ow.ly/xs8I50PAn2K
We’re hosting a digital and cost-of-living support event! 🎉
Join us on Monday 11 September at @TheHarveyCentre in Harlow with the JobCentre, Citizens Advice, Harlow College and more!
Hear about social tariffs, help getting online and more! 🙌
Info: superfastessex.org/digital-s…
☎ Landline phone services are changing.
Telecoms companies are upgrading their networks and rolling out new digital call services – meaning changes for how landlines work.
🎥 Watch to find out what this means and how you could be affected:
I used to do anything to hide my disability… not anymore!
On Friday I spoke at a disability pride event in Leeds that was organised by @scope. It was such an incredible day, filled with positivity and joy.
Happy disability pride month everyone. 💛🌈♿️
ALT Chloe and guide dog Dezzie stood in front of a disability pride flag. Chloe is wearing AFO splints and is holding a yellow walking stick.
🧵 Thousands of people every year struggle with debt problems. But what is a debt problem and what does getting debt advice look like?
Let's break down some barriers here... 👇 (1/5)
📣 Do you know older people having difficulties doing important tasks because they don’t use the internet? Things like booking appointments or managing finances?
@talkolderpeople want to hear their experiences and give them a voice. Encourage them to share and be heard! 👇
📊 Our polling data shows 3/4 of the UK population support Gov investment to #FixTheDigitalDivide. This is an issue that matters to them.
@helenmilner new blog proves the public's views align to @LordsCommsCom call for a new Digital Inclusion Strategy: bit.ly/3pZRwim
📆 Use or swap your regular postage stamps by 31 July 2023.
Please note: You cannot exchange these at the Post Office, only by freepost.
ALT After 31 July 2023, stamps without a barcode will no longer be valid.
Use before deadline or swap them by posting to 'Freepost SWAP OUT', enclosing a self-addressed envelope.
🧐 What are 'clone firms'? Clone firms are fake websites that pretend to be real, trustworthy companies or charities.
They are set up by scammers to trick you into giving your personal data or even your money. It's alarming how official they can seem.
Clone firm links often appear at the very top of a search engine results page, as scammers will pay money to grab your attention first. And now, scammers are impersonating organisations such as @StepChange, @natdebtline and @CitizensAdvice.
👀 stepchange.org/checkit.aspx#CheckItTrustIt
ALT Image shows a purple background with white text 'What is a clone firm?' Clone firms are fake websites that pretend to be real, trustworthy companies or charities.' A yellow shield icon is seen on the left with a green number one in the centre.
ALT Image shows a purple background with white text 'It's alarming how official they seem. Fake websites are set up by scammers to trick you into giving your personal data or even your money.' A yellow message icon is seen on the left with the number two in green.
ALT Image shows a purple background with white text 'Check it's honest. Some companies pretend to be us. Check their web address, their logo and their contact details. We think good advice should always be free, so check it doesn't come at a cost.'
ALT Image shows a purple background with white text 'Check your details are safe. Some companies take personal details like your date of birth to sell on. Ask the company how they're keeping your details safe.'
Today we launch our #CheckItTrustIt activity supported by our friends at @CitizensAdvice and @natdebtline. Our main goals are to shine a light on what trustworthy debt advice looks like, and to spread awareness about misleading ads, impersonators, and scams that are unfortunately lurking in the debt advice sector.
We all know how tough it is to manage finances, especially with the rising cost of living. That’s why the debt advice sector has become more important than ever. We want to make sure you have access to trustworthy debt advice that you can rely on 🤝
We’re also aware of the not-so-nice characters out there who try to deceive people. We’re joining forces to actively fight against these fraudsters and impersonators, because your safety and well-being matter to us. We want to protect consumers like you who are seeking genuine help and support.
If you’re curious to learn more about our #CheckItTrustIt activity, read our press release 👇
stepchange.org/media-centre/…
ALT Image shows a purple background with black text in a yellow circular shape 'Check it. Trust it.' Two green ticks are left of the text.
Today is #SamaritansAwarenessDay 🙌
Whoever you are, whatever you’re going through, you can talk to us on 116 123.
Retweet and help us reach more people who might need us.
LAUNCHING 📢
A fully-accessible 12 week consultation, which will inform the Government’s new Disability Action Plan.
Find out how to apply, and have your say on how the Government’s plan can improve the lives of disabled people across the country.
gov.uk/government/consultati…
Are you a BSL user?
Do you want your say on how the Government can improve the lives of disabled people across the country?
Respond in our consultation, which will inform the Government’s new Disability Action Plan.
gov.uk/government/consultati…
Our research on the life-changing effects of improved rural connectivity is published, including video footage of consumers' and micro-businesses' true stories and our recommendations to help those left behind #rural#connectivity#fairness
ALT: man looking at phone in a field
Rural connectivity is vital and our research, video and recommendations are now published! We would like to thank our National Hubs and Consumer Advocacy Hubs participants in Northern Ireland, Wales, Scotland and England for their input into this work: bit.ly/3pU9xig
Rural connectivity is vital and our research, video and recommendations are now published! We would like to thank our National Hubs and Consumer Advocacy Hubs participants in Northern Ireland, Wales, Scotland and England for their input into this work: bit.ly/3pU9xig
We’re consulting on proposed changes to our TV access services code and best practice guidelines - to make sure they work for people who rely on them📺
Have your say by 21 September 2023🔽
ofcom.org.uk/news-centre/202…
"When something is accessible, it gives me a sense of joy and happiness. I’m made to feel included, and wanted in that space. It tells me that people care."
A lovely read from @lifeofablindgrl via @BrowningYork on the importance of accessible comms.
Thanks for the mention too!
I'm really excited to announce my latest Time for Kindness guest blog has been written by Holly from @lifeofablindgrl A great piece about the kindness shown by making comms accessible. Like she says, "We should all feel we belong" timeforkindness.co.uk/kindne…#teamkind