Army of 'silver surfers' should be employed to get elderly online, says think tank Last week it emerged that dozens of charities, housing associations and campaign groups had written to MPs voicing fears that many vulnerable benefit claimants would be unable to use the Government's new universal credit because of a lack of internet access. The Department for Work and Pensions responded by offering special support for those without IT skills. While there have been a string of initiatives involving volunteers to help get elderly people on the internet, Policy Exchange calculates that 1,000 full-time technology trainers could personally visit 4.5 million of them within five years. If between 500,000 and 750,000 of them began to use the internet regularly as a result, it would enable the Government to save between £170 million and £225 million over five years as more people organise their pension and other benefits on the internet, the report calculates. Such a scheme would cost up to £150 million over that period but would still save the Government between £20 million and £75 million overall, it estimates. Sarah Fink, author of the report, said: "It is important that this network is made up of people who are able to relate to the particular needs of someone who has never used the internet before. "That's why the Government should encourage "silver surfers" to become "silver sidekicks."" Annika Small, chief executive of the internet charity Nominet Trust said: "It's more important than ever that all groups of people are supported to use the internet and understand its benefits. From alleviating social isolation, bringing together communities, paying bills and now accessing public services, online can improve lives.