Get Online Week – support is out there to build people’s digital skills

This year Get Online Week is taking place from 17-23 October 2022.

Free and friendly support is being offered at venues right across the borough and includes one-to-one tuition, drop in support sessions, tablet training, I.T. courses, device demonstrations and digital skill building.

Run by The Good Things Foundation, Get Online Week is a digital inclusion campaign that takes place annually.

In Blackburn with Darwen the campaign is run by Blackburn with Darwen Digital Inclusion Network and aims to offer advice to digitally excluded people to develop the skills to get online.

Get Online Week runs every year and aims to get as many people as possible. Getting online and learning new digital skills can help you to save money, find work, stay in touch with friends and family and much, much more – but it can be hard to know where to turn if you need some help.

Now, with the cost of living crisis affecting people in the borough and across the UK it’s never been more important for everyone to have the skills, confidence and access to benefit from digital.

This Get Online Week, we’re encouraging people to Try One Thing – whether that’s learning how to video call friends and family, compare deals online to save money on your bills or find a new job – you can find support this Get Online Week.

Here is what is on offer in Blackburn with Darwen during Get Online Week:

Advice, support and training is also available year round in the borough:

• Blackburn with Darwen Adult Learning. Contact: 01254 581175 / 01254 507720
• Blackburn with Darwen Library Services. Contact: 01254 661221
• Age UK Blackburn with Darwen – over 50’s 1:1 support. *Contact: 01254 266620
• Community CVS – Support to improve digital skills & access to volunteering & employment *Contact: 01254 583957
• Care Network – 1:1 support for residents with disabilities. *Contact: 01254 507255
• IMO Charity – Support to develop digital skills & employment prospects. *Contact: 01254 781310
• Youth Action – Support for parents to help keep children safe online. *Contact: 01254 695847

*Booking required, please call to arrange an appointment.

There are also a range of places you can access the internet in the borough, and there are also courses and services where you can learn basic and vital computer skills. For access to the internet and devices:

• Audley & Queens Park Neighbourhood Learning Centre – 01254 507720
• Bank Top Neighbourhood Learning Centre – 01254 581175
• Blackburn Central Library – 01254 661221
• Darwen Library – 01254 706021
• Mill Hill Library – 01254 266380
• Roman Road Library – 01254 682347
• Cherry Tree Library – 01254 209442
• Community CVS Boulevard Centre – 01254 583957

Saving money on internet bills

Blackburn with Darwen Help Hub – the team can provide advice on how you can save money on your data packages and help you access support to get online and improve your digital skills.

Support can be requested as part of the Houshold Support application online form: www.blackburn.gov.uk/benefits/household-support-scheme

Many people are looking at ways they can save money on the services they use every day, including broadband and data packages. Visit the Ofcom website for advice on how to find the best data package for you.
www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-telecoms-and-internet/advice for consumers/costs-and-billing

Broadband social tariffs

Social tariffs are generally cheaper than typical broadband tariffs and also usually aren’t subject to price rises or early exit fees. You could be eligible for a social tariff if you receive a means-tested state benefit such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit or legacy equivalents, for more information visit the Ofcom website for a list of broadband social tariff providers. www.ofcom.org.uk/social-tariffs

The Blackburn with Darwen Digital Inclusion Network was formed two years ago and is a collaborative partnership with the aim of increasing and improving the support available for local people to increase their digital skills.

Membership includes local voluntary sector providers; the Local Authority and NHS and their priorities are to improve access to the support already available and work together to secure resources to increase provision.

Cllr Mahfooz Hussain, Executive Member for Digital and Customer Services, said:

We know that being able to get access to online services and information is crucial for many people and those who are not able to do this are at risk of losing out on possible support and help as well as possibly being less connected with friends and family.

“This Get Online Week, if you know of anyone who is not able to get connected online – whether that be because they don’t have a digital device, don’t have data to connect to the internet or feel that they don’t have the skills and confidence to know how to get started – then please help to get them in touch with any of the services offering support.

“It can seem scary and daunting at first, especially if you have never used digital devices or been online, but the staff will move at your pace and make sure you gain confidence in being online. Digital is a huge part of everyday life now so it’s really important that everyone has the opportunity to be more connected.”

Paul Fleming, Strategic Director of Resources at the Council, said:

During this year’s Get Online Week we really want to encourage and engage anyone who wants to get connected digitally. The benefits it could bring for people are huge, and I hope as many people as possible are able to come along to one of the sessions to find out about the help available.

“Getting online offers many opportunities for people, now more than ever. It can improve access to jobs, learning, help with your social connections and make day to day dealings with companies and local services so much easier. Get Online Week is a great chance to get started and understand more about the many digital activities on offer across Blackburn and Darwen.

“Through our local Digital Inclusion Network, we are dedicated to helping all our local communities to develop the skills they need to make sure no one is left behind in this increasingly digital age.”