Devizes computer users urged to help neighbours get on line (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)
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Wiltshire Council hopes a little help will let thousands join the internet revolution
9:22am Friday 16th November 2012 in News
Devizes people are being encouraged to help support their neighbours to get online.
A report published this month suggested that 16 million people in the UK lack the basic skills needed to use a computer and Wiltshire Council estimates out of a population of more than 30,000 in Devizes, around 5,800 people are not online.
Wiltshire Council is setting up projects offering free computer support to ensure everyone has the confidence and the basic skills to get online.
The support is delivered by a team of 'digital champions - volunteers who are comfortable with the basics and happy to pass on their knowledge in an informal and relaxed style.
With a waiting list for support in Devizes already, the Wiltshire Online team is looking to hear from potential digital champions.
Cabinet member for communities John Thomson said: “Access to the internet is vital in today’s society.
"As more and more organisations develop their online services, it is becoming increasingly important for everyone in our communities to feel confident with the basics of computers and the internet.
“We are looking for volunteers who want to support people in their community to save money, feel less lonely or live more independently. By passing on their knowledge they can really make a difference.
"You don’t need to be an IT professional just have patience, a sense of humour and be confident with the basics.”
If people are interested in getting involved, or would like more information, they should contact the team on www.wiltshireonline.org or call Jenny Wilcockson on 01225 793 349.
Comments(6)
rikki7
says...
12:15pm Fri 16 Nov 12
As usual the people who think they are bright sparks come up with a dull idea not really thought through, but it keeps them in a job, I wonder what the next bright idear will be?
Old retired bloke
says...
11:07am Sat 17 Nov 12
rikki7 wrote:How is this story about people on a limited income? It's about giving people the skills and confidence to get on-line, whether you can afford to do it is a seperate problem. Seems like a good idea to me.
Will the council give people on a limited income a computer and pay the monthly line rental - NO. They'll say onced trained you can go to the libary and use one for free.Would the Wiltshire on-line team like to have to walk a mile to use their computers - NO
As usual the people who think they are bright sparks come up with a dull idea not really thought through, but it keeps them in a job, I wonder what the next bright idear will be?
cris
says...
8:33am Thu 22 Nov 12
but looking at the info and form, im not going to this is a voluntary no a real job... it should be all help welcome not lots of process and screening.
just another way of blowing our money
Old retired bloke
says...
10:53am Thu 22 Nov 12
cris wrote:That's why it says "volunteers" in the article.....
i was interested in this i am a Senior Wintel specialist fro a company in swindon so thought i maybe able to help.
but looking at the info and form, im not going to this is a voluntary no a real job... it should be all help welcome not lots of process and screening.
just another way of blowing our money
Seriously, you are a senior IT specialist for a firm in Swindon?
Does that not require a basic ability in English?
themightygorm
says...
1:32pm Thu 22 Nov 12
cris wrote:I'm sorry but despite the previously raised point about your ability to write English, at what point does it mention "process and screening"? It says to get in contact if you're interested in getting involved. If you're not interested in helping then why make sure a pointless remark.
i was interested in this i am a Senior Wintel specialist fro a company in swindon so thought i maybe able to help.
but looking at the info and form, im not going to this is a voluntary no a real job... it should be all help welcome not lots of process and screening.
just another way of blowing our money
I'm sure they're looking for people that have the right kind of attitude to help people in the community, which may well exclude you anyway.
rikki7 says...
12:15pm Fri 16 Nov 12
As usual the people who think they are bright sparks come up with a dull idea not really thought through, but it keeps them in a job, I wonder what the next bright idear will be?