Opportunities for over 65s to ‘Get Connected’ and boost their digital skills
A series of new digital skills courses for over 65s have been announced in Telford and Wrekin, aimed at breaking down barriers and helping older residents to get online safely.
Following a series of successful pilot courses, Telford & Wrekin Council has now announced nine new locations and dates for courses later this year.
These free six-week Get Connected digital skills courses for over 65s provide fun, informal training in a friendly setting and offer help with a range of online essentials including getting to grips with emails, shopping safely online and keeping in touch with family and friends.
The courses are being delivered in partnership with STAY, and are part of the council’s work to tackle digital exclusion in the borough, through its £24m On Your Side investment programme.
Councillor Nathan England, Telford & Wrekin Council’s cabinet member for finance, governance and customer services, said: “These free courses for over 65s aim to address digital exclusion, giving people the skills and confidence to get online and benefit from the advantages the internet brings, such as online shopping, email, and quicker and cheaper ways to communicate such as by video call.
“We initially piloted the courses in a couple of locations around Telford and Wrekin, and they’ve proved so popular that we’ve now announced nine more courses around the borough this year.”
“These courses are aimed at beginners, so you really don’t need to have any prior knowledge to take part and learn new things. If you already have your own digital device, please bring it along to the course, but if you’re not sure if you have a suitable device, please get in touch and we may be able to help you.”
Each course consists of six two-hour sessions supported by trainers and digital champion volunteers, as well as offering a chance to socialise, with a hot drink and biscuits included too.
The courses recently announced are:
Turreff Hall, Donnington; starts Tuesday 18 July 10am to 12pm
Wellington Civic and Leisure Centre; starts Tuesday 18 July 2pm to 4pm
Ketley Community Centre; starts Thursday 3 August 1pm to 3pm
Park Lane Centre, Woodside; starts Tuesday 5 September 10am to 12pm
Brookside Central Community Centre; starts Tuesday 5 September 2pm to 4pm
Holy Trinity Church, Wrockwardine Wood; starts Friday 15 September 10am to 12pm
Admaston House Community Centre; starts Tuesday 17 October 10am to 12pm
Wellington Civic and Leisure Centre; starts Tuesday 17 October 2pm to 4pm
Hadley Community Centre; starts Friday 27 October 1pm to 3pm
Courses are free but places are limited, so booking is essential. To book, call 01952 380000 or visit www.telford.gov.uk/getconnected.
Further courses will be held around the borough next year.
