People across the East Riding are being challenged to get online this October and try doing everyday things the digital way as part of the national Get Online Week campaign, from Monday, 12 to Sunday, 18 October.
East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s adult learning centres and libraries are registered UK Online centres and are taking part in the campaign across the East Riding. An outreach session will also take place in Beverley Job Centre.
An estimated seven million people in the UK aren’t online and 11 million don’t have the skills or confidence to make the most of the opportunities the internet has to offer.
Councillor Jane Evison, cabinet portfolio holder for economic investment and tourism at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “If you’ve got a spare hour, we’re on hand to show you how getting online could save you time, hassle and even money. Whether you want to get healthy, get connected, get a job or get a bargain, you could be doing it all – and more – by doing it online.
“It doesn’t matter if you’ve never even touched a computer before or if you already know a bit – this is your chance to give computers and the internet a go. Its fun, it’s free and it could change how you do your favourite things – and your everyday chores – forever. Come along to one of our events and see what you could do with technology, and what technology could do for you.”
The council’s adult learning centres are running a series of special drop-in sessions and want to invite anyone and everyone to come along and take part. There will also be special promotional sessions run in conjunction with Beverley Job Centre and drop-in ‘tablet taster’ sessions for those interested in getting online on hand held computers at Bridlington and Goole libraries.
Councillor Richard Burton, cabinet portfolio holder for civic wellbeing and culture, said: “Whether you want to follow your hobbies, keep in touch with family and friends or just save a bit of time and money doing the things you do every day, the internet really does have something for everyone.
“We want to encourage our residents to spend time at their nearest library and see what the internet could do for them. It’s completely free and our friendly and helpful staff will be on hand to offer support and guidance.”
Even if you cannot attend one of the sessions, East Riding adult learning centres run drop-in computer sessions and more advanced courses throughout the year and East Riding libraries permanently offer free internet access with Microsoft Office on every computer, as well as over 250 online reference sources and free e-magazines.
Sessions taking place 12 – 18 October 2015 – Get Online Week
• Bridlington tablet taster drop-in Session – Wednesday, 14 October at Bridlington Central Library, 10am-5pm
• Goole tablet taster drop-in session – Thursday, 15 October at Goole Library, 10am-5pm
• Beverley Jobcentre Get Online session – Thursday, 15 October, from 10am-3pm.
For more information about the drop-in sessions, visit www.eastriding.gov.uk/learn
