Free support for everyone to improve their digital skills

•Digital Learning Day is on Thursday 11 April 2019

•Volunteers will be on hand in libraries across Northern Ireland to share their skills and help people get online

•Sessions can be booked by contacting your local library directly

 

On Thursday 11 April 2019, hundreds of business volunteers will be poised and ready to provide FREE IT taster sessions, helping anyone who wishes to get online for the first time, or those who wish to improve their knowledge and skills. The sessions will help people with the Internet in general, email, social media and lots more.

 

Hosted in libraries across Northern Ireland, Digital Learning Day is back once again by popular demand. These events are organised by Business in the Community in partnership with the Department of Finance, and supported by Libraries NI.

 

Communities Manager for Business in the Community, Hilary Hanberry said: “In today’s digital world it can seem as though everything has moved online. The shift to online services in particular has changed the way in which we live, work and socialise, but there are still many people who aren’t benefiting from being online.

 

“We all know someone who isn’t online. It might be your mum or dad, your gran, your next-door neighbour or even a friend. If so, please encourage them to come along to a Digital Learning Day training session. The sessions are easy to book – all they (or you!) have to do is contact your local library and a FREE training session will be organised.

 

“Our training sessions are taken by friendly volunteers who are passionate about sharing their skills. They are all very patient and get a real sense of reward from helping others. The sessions are one-to-one and can cover a range of things, from learning how to stay connected to friends and family through Facebook or Skype; to learning how to order your grocery shopping online, or perhaps even setting up an email account. We’ve had great feedback from participants in previous years who found the sessions very worthwhile, and I’d encourage anyone who is keen to find out more about the internet to come along.” 

 

Paul Wickens, CEO of Enterprise Shared Services in the Department of Finance adds: “I am delighted the campaign is being supported in this proactive way by Business in the Community. Digital Learning Day, as part of Spring Online Week, forms part of our ‘Go ON NI’ programme which aims to encourage as many people as possible to go online, address any barriers, promote the benefits of accessing the Internet, and highlight the convenience of online public services.”

 

Jim O’Hagan, Libraries NI Chief Executive said;

“This year, 14 libraries across Northern Ireland will be taking part in Digital Learning Day. It is hoped that all attendees will enjoy the event and avail of the computer facilities with free broadband and Wi-Fi available for library members, not only on this specific Digital Learning Day but at any time of the year. Membership of the libraries is free; everyone is invited to call in and join their local library today.”

 

To book your free place, contact your local library or call the Libraries NI Customer Services Line on 0345 4504 580 (Monday to Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm).

To register as a volunteer, visit www.bitcni.org.uk or call (028) 9046 0606.