To mark Get Online Week (18-24 October) the council is helping residents gain confidence online, access important services like the council’s digital customer portal My Account, and learn new skills so they can participate more fully in society.
The theme of Get Online Week this year is ‘Get online. Get connected.’
Using the internet confidently, safely and affordably has never been more important. Library staff and volunteers will be on hand to show you how to get the most out of being online. Starting with the basics of setting up an email address and how to search online, you can learn at your own pace.
Pop in to any of the following libraries and speak to one of the friendly staff there: Acton, Central Ealing, Northolt, Southall, Northolt Leisure Centre, Jubilee Gardens, Greenford and Wood End.
These libraries also have public computers you can use to get online and practice until you are more confident. And, with free WiFi available for library members, it makes it easier getting online from your personal devices.
Gaining skills for work
Becoming more confident with software, the technology and things that you need to do online can help improve your chances of employment and increase your skills significantly.
To help you with this, the council’s adult learning and skills team, Learn Ealing, is bringing you two dedicated online training sessions on Wednesday, 20 October:
Whether your ambition is to prepare for work, develop new skills or get a better job, Learn Ealing has a course for you. Its 2021-22 prospectus, with lots more courses and skills training ranging across a number of things, is out now. You can find it on the Ealing adult learning website.
Getting confident about being connected
Councillor Steve Donnelly, Ealing Council’s cabinet member for inclusive economy, said: “The pandemic has shown how essential it is for everyone to be able to connect with friends and family, access essential services, learn and work from home and keep up with the latest news online.
“Getting more confident being online can open up routes into adult learning courses and employment and help you feel more connected to family and friends. And we hope that Get Online Week will give you a useful introduction to help get you started.”
Digital champions can help
If you are unable to get to a library next week, you can find digital skills support by calling 020 8825 6503 and be referred to a digital champion.
Digital champions will also be available for pre-booked appointments on Wednesdays from between 2-4pm and Saturdays 10am-12noon in Ealing Central Library. The aim is to have one in each library by the end of the year.
