By Leah Conway –
This week, 18-24 October, is Get Online Week and there is a range of training and drop-in session that Kirklees residents can get involved with and engage with technology.
Get Online Week is a campaign for digital inclusion. It is organised by the Good Things Foundation, a charity that helps people become digitally able, equal and safe in ways that improved their lives.
The campaign aims to support those who are digitally excluded, including people who don’t have the access or knowledge to benefit from the internet and digital technologies.
With the increase in everything digital, a lack of digital skills can have a significant negative impact. Research has shown it can cause poorer health outcomes, increased loneliness and social isolation.
This week is full of support for those who want to become more digitally included or even those who wish to support friends or family members with their technology.
How & Where to get involved:
Digital Cafés will be run across Kirklees at local spaces such as local learning centres, community centres and libraries.
Kirklees residents can learn some basic digital skills on their own devices or try out tablets. They can also ask questions about technology and using the internet.
Residents comfortable using technology can also help fellow residents by signing up to Digital Champions training – free to anyone who lives or works in Kirklees, dedicated to helping others with their digital skills.
Residents can register for Digital Champion training online as a ‘Digital Skills’ lifelong learning course.
Centre | Digital Café availability |
Crosland Moor Community Learning Centre | Thursday 21 October, 10am-12 |
Paddock Village Hall | Friday 22 October, 9.30am-1pm |
Holmfirth Tech | Tuesday 19 October, 2pm-4pm |
Thornhill Lees Community Centre | Thursday 21 October, 10am-12pm and 1pm-3pm |
Chickenley Community Centre | Monday 18 October, 10am-12midday |
Taleem Training & Community Centre | Wednesday 20 October, 10am-12pm |
Ravensthorpe Community Centre | Thursday 21 October, 9:30am-12:30pm |
Huddersfield & Dewsbury Library | Monday 18 October, 10am-12midday
Thursday 21 October, 2-4pm |
Read more: Huddersfield community organisation launches Christmas card design challenge
‘Engage in the digital world’
Councillor Peter McBride, Cabinet Member for Skills and Adult Learning, says: “Digital exclusion can have a huge negative impact on our residents’ lives, and never has that been clearer than over the last few years.
“From doctor’s appointments to staying in touch with friends and family, these are now crucial skills which massively influence people’s health and wellbeing on a daily basis.
“We want to help people who don’t have access to technology and the internet, or the skills to benefit from it. Everyone deserves the ability to safely and confidently engage in the digital world, and the support is available.”