Digital Help launches for Get Online Week

In response to Covid-19, Business in the Community, in partnership with the Department of Finance Go ON NI team, are officially launching the new Digital Help Service. This service is open to anyone who may have a digital issue with settings or skills to perform a task on their tablet, laptop or phone. Simply call or text the numbers provided, and business volunteers will be on hand (virtually via phone or web) to share their IT skills, helping others use the Internet, email, social media and more.

A virtual programme has been established for Get Online Week and all the free sessions are listed at www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/go-ni-events or contact your local library. LibrariesNI, Supporting Communities, Digi Skills, Ulster Bank NI, Ignite IT and RNIB have all teamed up to provide remote training on many topics such as e-mail, social media, iPads, e-magazines, device settings, shopping online, apps, scams and passwords to name a few. These informational sessions can help you stay safe online, provide resources and tools to improve your skills, get and stay connected and enjoy life remotely and much, much more. Additional sessions on Google Classroom, employability skills, digital banking and accessibility software are also available to join.

Throughout Get Online Week there will be a number of one- to-one sessions available on most topics including “Zoom basics”. All the sessions are free however they should be booked in advanced where applicable, then simply join in on the day.

Angela McCartney, Communities Executive for BITCNI, said: “In today’s digital world it can seem as though everything has moved online. The shift to online services has changed the way in which we live, work and how people get to grips with the Internet in general, including how to use search engines, websites, email and social media on desktop computers, tablets and smartphones. But there are still many people who aren’t benefiting from being online. Our volunteers can provide help with this.”

Iggy O’Doherty, Director of Digital Shared Services in the Department of Finance, added: “This programme is 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. I am delighted that so many sessions can be provided by the Go ON NI partners and are being supported in this proactive way by Business in the Community and I’m grateful to the many volunteers from businesses across NI who are giving up their time to help others.”

The Digital Help Service can be contacted by texting ‘DIGITAL’ to 67300 or call 07751 852 684.

You can find out more information about the ‘Go ON NI’ programme at: www.nidirect.gov.uk/go-on-ni If you cannot find what you are looking for or have a particular training request as an individual or as a group – just contact the Go ON NI team at email [email protected] or telephone 02890 254741.

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