A PILOT project, aimed at people aged 40 and over, is offering the opportunity for people across Sunderland to sign up for a “Mid Life MOT.”
And the hope is that those who successfully take part in the scheme, will be given a whole range of useful tools to help them in every aspect of life.
The project is being run by Sunderland social enterprise, Media Savvy, in conjunction with Good Things Foundation, a national charity which aims to create digital inclusivity, along with support from NE LEP.
And it is also being backed by Sunderland BID, which is now encouraging businesses to highlight the scheme to employees.
The Mid Life MOT aims to help people in a number of ways, from improving their digital skills to promoting healthier lifestyles and financial planning.
Lisa Miller, of Media Savvy, believes that it has widespread benefits.
“A big part of what we do is help people improve their digital skills,” she said.
“And that doesn’t just benefit them but also benefits their employers, which is why we hope business will get on board and signpost staff to the project.
“Along with that we can help people who feel they need a healthier lifestyle or even want to check the situation with their state pension so that they can plan for the future.
“It’s a great opportunity to really help people and as there’s no cost to it, we are hoping that they will take advantage of it.”
The Mid Life MOT is a short course which will also signpost people to ways they can get help across a wide range of areas.
“It’s been such a hard year so there’s probably lots of concerns about health and about financial problems,” said Lisa.
“And this is exactly what we are trying to help with.”
Sharon Appleby, Head of Business Operations at Sunderland BID, is encouraging city businesses to highlight the scheme to their staff.
“Having better digital skills doesn’t just benefit the individual, it’s a real asset to any business,” she said.
“And, if people can also get help with concerns they may have over issues such as health and money, then it makes sense they are going to be able to focus more on their job and be more productive.”
Anyone wanting to find out more or who wants to sign up should email [email protected]