Social Prescribing Resource Sheet:
Digital Help

 

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Digital Help for Patients in West Dorset

Empowering your health through digital literacy — a guide to online tools, learning support, and how to get connected.

If you need extra help accessing these, please contact the Social Prescribing Team on 01308 428943 or contact us via secure online form.

online-services

 

Accessible Digital Support via Social Prescribing

Let us help you get the digital tools and confidence you need — no referral required.

  • Help with equipment access
  • Learning to use apps & portals
  • Assistance with online health records
  • Support with home digital literacy
  • Guidance using NHS & health apps
 

What is Digital Literacy?

Digital literacy is about having the skills to use online tools safely and confidently for your health and daily life — like managing your health information, doing online banking, and keeping in touch with others.

Your Medical Journey Online

  • Order repeat prescriptions online and collect at your preferred pharmacy
  • View your medical record securely online
  • Use eConsult for non-urgent advice without visiting the surgery
  • Support someone else using proxy access

Other Digital Everyday Skills

  • Online banking
  • Shopping online
  • Communicating via SMS, email, video call
  • Watching videos online
  • Accessing reliable news & health information
  • Finding local support and events via search engines
 

Access to Equipment

Donate IT

Refurbished laptops and phones available via surgeries.

Telephone: Contact the Social Prescribing Team at jcsocialprescribing@dorsetgp.nhs.uk

Affordable Broadband

Explore social tariffs if you're on benefits.

Website: dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/affordable-broadband

Digital Doorway

Get devices or data to help you get online.

Website: dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/w/digital-doorway

Assistive Technology at Home

If you want to live independently at home for longer, assistive technology can help (e.g. personal alarms for inside and out and about, fall sensors, in-home pagers, and reminder devices). Visit the TEC Lounge in Dorchester to try equipment in a simulated home setting, get free advice, and learn how to arrange installation.

Technology Enabled Care (TEC) Lounge

Visit the TEC Lounge in Dorchester to try out digital gadgets in a simulated home setting for free. Get personalised assistance with installation and find the tools that work best for you.

Address:

Website: dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/tec-lounges

Contact: 01305 221016 or see the TEC Lounge page for details.

How to request equipment?

  • If you already receive support from Adult Services (Dorset Council), speak to your allocated worker/team and ask for a TEC assessment.
  • If you’re not already receiving support, your GP or NHS team can email an assessment & referral form to the Adult Access Team.
  • If approved, a TEC Team member will assess, recommend, and arrange installation of suitable equipment.

Recommended personal care alarm providers:

Digital Assistance

Volunteer Digital Champions

Book a session for one-on-one tech support by calling the hotline.

Telephone: 01305 221048 (hotline)

Website: dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/w/volunteer-digital-champions

Digital Care Coordinator

A member of the Social Prescribing team can direct you to digital tools and organizations that support your health and well-being.

Telephone: Contact via the Social Prescribing Team on 01308 428943.

AbilityNet

Free tech support for older/disabled people who are housebound.

Telephone: 0300 180 0028 (Tech Volunteers)

Learn at Home

Good Things Foundation

Courses about health related online services.

Website: www.learnmyway.com/explore-the-subjects/managing-your-health-online

Digital Skills Directory

FutureDotNow has courses for Dorset residents.

Website: futuredotnow.uk/how-we-help/digital-skills-directory

Digital Eagles

Step-by-step guides to improve digital skills.

Website: digital.wings.uk.barclays

Age UK

Online training videos for internet basics.

Website: ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/work-learning/technology-internet

Phone Apps

ORCHA Health App Finder

ORCHA tests and recommends health apps that meet people’s health and well-being needs.

Website: ourdorset.orchahealth.com/en-gb

NHS App

Website: www.jurassiccoastpcn.nhs.uk/the-nhs-app

Blood Pressure at Home

Website: www.jurassiccoastpcn.nhs.uk/blood-pressure-monitoring-at-home

 

Further Information

We hope you find this resource helpful. Please note these links are not all officially endorsed by the NHS — while we update regularly, accuracy can’t be guaranteed at all times.

If you are a local service or organisation that would like to be included here, please contact us via secure online form.

Last updated: August 2025.