Better off online

"In 2000, 45% of the population were online. In 2012, it had increased to 82%. The final surge towards 100% will allow us to unleash the full potential of the UK."

Martha Lane Fox, the UK’s Digital Champion

"9 million people in the UK have never used the internet.
Three in five people aged 65 or over have never used the internet.
This puts them at a considerable disadvantage at a time when digital technology has become central to so many aspects of our lives.
Everything from shopping, banking and paying bills, to social activities and accessing public services – all can be done at a click of a mouse, and I am very concerned that some people are missing out."

County Councillor Mike Calvert, cabinet member for adult and community services

"In 2010, Lancashire County Council made a pledge to support Race Online 2012 and we aimed to use our Libraries and Adult Learning service, their enthusiastic staff, committed volunteers and free computer facilities to get 3000 more Lancashire people online by 2012."

Since then, we've have helped over 10,000 complete beginners of all ages to get to grips with computers and the internet.

Do you know someone who'd be better off being online?

If so, encourage them to contact their local library.

We frequently offer free taster sessions where they can get their hands on a computer for the first time and discover that it doesn't bite and won't break! And they can ask all the questions they can think of about computers, the internet and digital technology.

Look out for special events such as Spring Online, iTea and biscuits and Get Online week held throughout the year, where we work together with national charities, like AgeUK, to host themed events.

All our Lancashire Libraries are official UK Online centres where our friendly and knowledgeable Digital Champions can help people take the first steps in getting online on our free Online Basics sessions. The group sessions use short Learn My Way online courses with support from staff from Adult Learning and Libraries and our trained volunteers. The courses are self-directed and interactive and allow people to progress at their own pace.

• How to use a keyboard and mouse
• How to search and explore the internet
• How to keep in touch with email
• How to stay safe online

• Check your library account – renew/reserve a book.
• Use our Digital Library
• Using public services online
• Shopping online
• Facebook & socialising online
• Photos online

"We've been running courses in the county using staff, tutors and volunteers and the results have been amazing. The courses are free and one of the best things about them is that you can go at your own pace."

County Councillor David Smith, lead member for community services

We are inviting people to join our network of 'Digital Champions' and help the people of Lancashire get the benefits of being online.

You don't have to be a computer expert, just possess some basic skills and have lots of patience and enthusiasm!
 
"Those skills – which so many of us take for granted these days - can be a real challenge for some people. However, acquiring these skills really can transform your life and can even lead to getting a job."

County Councillor Smith, our lead Digital Champion

We've got over a hundred Digital Champions helping in our Libraries and this is what they say about their role:

"I enjoy helping others and making a difference, as this gives me a great sense of achievement. It is great to see people becoming more competent on a computer when they did not think they would."

What type of skills do Digital Champions have?

• Basic computer skills - being able to connect to the internet and use a web browser
• Able to provide information about where and how to access computers  
• Confidence with the Internet, including knowing where and how to search online
• Communication and people skills

• An ability to get to know people and understand their interests and motivations
• Lots of patience with people and systems! 
• An interest in working with other Digital Champions across the UK to help people to get online
• An enthusiasm about the huge difference the Internet can make to someone's life

If you think you can help and would like to become a Digital Champion, please contact our volunteer team: cs.volunteers@lancashire.gov.uk or your local Library.