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 require further support in accessing these, or other services, please contact the Social Prescribing Team on 01308 428943 or contact us via our online form.

online-services

 

Social Prescribing is available at your GP Surgery

If you live in Bridport, Beaminster, Lyme Regis or the wider West Dorset area, you can speak directly with our Social Prescribers and Care Coordinators - no referral needed.

  • Support with finances
  • Getting Active
  • Hobbies and Interests
  • Connecting to Community
  • Supporting wellbeing
  • Help with Long Term Conditions

 

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.

Email: Email the Social Prescribing Team

Affordable Broadband

Explore social tariffs if you're on benefits.

Website: Visit the Dorset Council website

Digital Doorway

Get devices or data to help you get online.

Website: Visit the Dorset Council website

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: Greenwood Independent Living Centre, Maiden Castle Road, Dorchester, DT1 2ER

Website: Visit the Dorset Council website

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.

TEC Lounge recommended personal care alarm providers:

Digital Assistance

Volunteer Digital Champions

Book a session for one-on-one tech support by calling the hotline. Sessions normally take place in local libraries (Bridport, Dorchester, and Lyme Regis).

Telephone: 01305 221048 (hotline)

Website: Visit the Dorset Council website

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)

TechWise

Every other Thursday 10.00am - 12.00pm. Drop in for help with smart devices, emails, healthcare apps, online safety and more.

Venue: The Old School House Cafe, The Hub, Lyme Regis, DT7 3BS

Telephone: 07887 028 528 (To book a home visit)

Email: Email Get Techwise

Website: Visit the Get Techwise website

Learn at Home

Good Things Foundation

Courses about health related online services.

Website: Visit the Learn My Way website

Digital Skills Directory

FutureDotNow has courses for Dorset residents.

Website: Visit the FutureDotNow website

Digital Eagles

Step-by-step guides to improve digital skills.

Website: Visit the Barclays Digital Eagles website

Age UK

Online training videos for internet basics.

Website: Visit the Age UK website

Phone Apps

ORCHA Health App Finder

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

Website: Visit the ORCHA Health website

NHS App

Website: Visit the Jurassic Coast PCN website

Blood Pressure at Home

Website: Visit the Jurassic Coast PCN website

 

Further Information

While we hope you may find something here that supports you, please note that these resources are not all officially endorsed by the NHS. We endeavour to ensure that all listings are accurate and up to date, but please be aware that we cannot guarantee this at all times.

If you are a local service, organisation or group that would like to be included in this guide, please contact us via secure online form or call the PCN Admin Team on 01308 801810 and tell us about your support offering.

Last updated: August 2025.