Council calls on IT enthusiasts for help

You could help people get used to using computers and the internet.

Rochdale Council is calling on IT enthusiasts to help support them with an IT revolution.
Staff from the Council are on the look out for volunteers and community groups to help more residents gain basic computer skills and get used to using the internet.

For the past year, library staff have been delivering basic IT courses in partnership with UK Online centres and now they want to take the training out into the heart of local communities, helping as many people as possible to ‘get online’, in support of the governments target of getting an extra one million people surfing the web by 2013 using the ‘Myguide’ step by step course.

Councillor Peter Williams, Cabinet Member for Corporate Services and Economic Development, said: “We want to work with any groups or individuals who are interested in helping their community with this important project.

“We can provide training and access to funding so that you can help local people gain the confidence to use a computer and access the internet.

“People who haven’t got access to new technologies can be at a disadvantage and may miss opportunities, so programmes like this make a positive difference.”

So, if you are into computers and would like to help others take their first steps, or if you are involved with a group or association that would be interested in offering time, premises or donating computer equipment to help people learn, they want to hear from you.

Email ukonline@rochdale.gov.uk or phone 01706 924976. They’ll be able to provide help with finding volunteers, and be able to advise on funding that you may be entitled to.