Get online week to boost digital skills

Tamesiders have the opportunity to boost their digital skills this week with a council led campaign.

The ‘Get Online Week’ runs from today (19 October) to Sunday (25 October) and will help residents get the most out of the internet.

It will take place online and over the phone and cover a variety of topics including personal finances on the internet, finding a new job or brushing up on skills. There will even be a ‘Get Online Week’ version of bingo!

Residents also have the opportunity to try out the free Learn My Way courses that cover a variety of topics, available on the following website: https://www.tameside.gov.uk/libraries/learn

For those looking to broaden their IT skills this could be a good time to make the most of the iDEA courses available in a huge range of topics, including coding, e-commerce and web design, using the following link: https://iDEA.org.uk/x/TandGiDEA.

Tameside Libraries will hold the following events during the week, which will take place virtually or over the telephone:

Tuesday

• Virtual coffee morning talking about all things digital, 11am – 12pm. To book onto the course email information.direct@tameside.gov.uk or call 0161 342 2031.

• Story Makers session for children aged 0-4, 10:30am – 11am or 1:30pm – 2pm. To book a place please email book.start@tamside.gov.ukor phone 0161 343 7824.

• Device advice clinic 5pm-7.30pm. To book a slot call 0161 342 2031.

Wednesday

• Story Makers session for children aged 0-4, 10:30am – 11am or 1:30pm – 2pm. To book a place please email book.start@tamside.gov.ukor phone 0161 343 7824.

Thursday

• Writing 2020 with Sophie Parkes-Nield. A creative Writing Zoom Session, part of the Digital Words Festival: https://www.tameside.gov.uk/libraries/digitalwords. Book via tamesidelibraries.eventbrite.co.uk  or phone 0161 342 2031

• Device advice clinic 5pm-7.30pm. To book a slot call 0161 342 2031.

Friday

• Device advice clinic 9am – 3pm. To book a slot call 0161 342 2031.

Cllr Leanne Feeley, Tameside Council executive member for Lifelong Learning, said: “For those who aren’t confident online, lockdown may have been even more of a challenging time, as so many businesses now focus their efforts online.

“Through the sessions over the week we’re aiming to give residents the chance to develop some skills using the internet so they can make the most of everything the online world has to offer.”

For more information on Get Online Week please contact Tameside Libraries by emailing information.direct@tameside.gov.uk or calling 0161 342 2031.