MELKSHAM Seniors have teamed up with Wiltshire Online to offer computer support to local people, and are on the lookout for volunteers to start a new weekly club.
The initiative, supported by Selwood Housing and The Learning Curve, offer one-to-one free basic support to help people get online and make the most of their computers.
A team of volunteer ‘digital champions’ offer the support on people’s own devices.
The champions would like to run a club in Melksham every Tuesday, and need volunteers to step forward.
Wiltshire Online project manager Sarah Hiscocks said, “2015 marks the 26th anniversary of the World Wide Web, and the web now has 2.4 billion users worldwide.
“To put this speed of adoption into context, radio took 38 years to reach 50 million users, television took 13 years, web took 4 years, and Facebook just 10 months.
“The web has improved people’s lives, whether through cutting household bills, finding a job, or maintaining contact with distant friends and relatives. However, recent research published by the BBC has found that 21% of Britain’s population lack the basic digital skills and capabilities required to realise the benefits of the internet.
“Wiltshire Council has made a commitment to help adults get confident with the basics of computers and the web. It doesn’t matter whether it’s on a laptop, desktop, tablet, or smart phone, we want to make sure that everyone can access the support they need for free.”
If you think you have what it takes to help your community get online , email digitalinclusion@wiltshire.gov.uk, or for more information visit the volunteering page at www.wiltshireonline.org.
