Government support for Get Online Week 2024
Annie Mannion | 14 Oct 2024
Get Online Week, taking place from 14-20 October, helps raise awareness of the benefits of getting online, and highlights that there are many digitally excluded people who are disconnected due to lack of access or skills.
AbilityNet is a digital ambassador for Get Online Week, which is now in its 17th year. We strive to ensure and promote digital inclusion in all we do.
Speaking at the launch of Get Online Week earlier today at the House of Lords, Helen Milner OBE, CEO of Good Things Foundation, noted the 'ABC' of how to fix the digital divide: She said people need the following:
A:Affordable access
B:Basic digital skills
C:Community Support
Also supporting the event and the goals to focus more attention on a digital inclusion strategy, were Minister for State at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, Chris Bryant, and Lord Knight of Weymouth, both pictured here with Helen (centre).
Ideas and events to boost digital skills
Get Online Week aims to reach 25,000 digitally excluded people to help them understand and experience how getting online can help them become happier, healthier and better off.
Here we outline a selection of events and ideas for digital skills events this week:
1. Find a free event
Use this map of Get Online Week events to search the 900 free community events hosted across the UK between 14 -20 October 14th-20th.
2. Watch our free webinar recording: Empowering Seniors: 5 Essential Tips for Online Safety and Support
During our free webinar, expert Digital Skills trainer Lucy Walsh, shared 5 key apps, tools and online sites that older people told us make their lives easier as part of embracing the digital age.
We also shared top tips for connecting and staying safer online if you are older or a disabled adult, including the innovative ‘Ask-Silver.com’ app, and outlined the free resources available via AbilityNet to help with navigating the digital world.
On the webinar we highlighted some tech advice from renowned broadcaster and newsreader, Moira Stuart CBE, who has been helping us to raise awareness of online scams.
Watch the recording for essential tips
3. Watch bitesize videos (or share them with your relatives!)
Would you, or someone you know, like to know more about how the online world enhance your life? Our fresh range of short instructional videos aimed at boosting digital skills among older people will help. View all the short videos via the playlist on AbilityNet's YouTube channel.
4. Help others get online
Can you help us change the lives of people experiencing digital exclusion? Get involved this Get Online Week! It offers you a great reason to share your spare time to help people in your community learn basic computer skills.
You don’t need to be a tech guru to help as an AbilityNet Tech Volunteer. Typical help requests for a volunteer include:
- Helping someone set up an email account
- Showing someone how to use online video calling via WhatsApp or Zoom
- Setting up a new device and connecting it to the internet
- Giving advice on anti-virus protection and internet safety
- Changing basic device settings to make it easier to us
"Volunteering at AbilityNet gives me the opportunity to build upon my experience and skills, which in turn enables people to live a healthy and productive life - it’s a truly rewarding and inspiring environment,” says Greg White, one of our Tech Volunteers based in Manchester.
Why is Get Online Week important?In the UK today...
8.5 million people lack basic digital skills to use technology and
the internet.
7.5 million working age adults don’t have the right level of
digital skills for work.
3.7 million families aren’t equipped with the right level of
connectivity at home.
2.4 million households can’t afford a mobile contract.
A recent poll from Good Things Foundation has revealed further gaps in in digital confidence across the UK.
AbilityNet can help with any tech queries from older people and disabled adults, so do get in touch with us for support.
How AbilityNet can help you
AbilityNet provides a range of free services to help disabled people and older people.
- Call our free tech helpline on 0300 180 0028.
- Access free factsheets about technology. Topics include voice recognition and keyboard alternatives.
- My Computer My Way: a free interactive guide to all the accessibility features built into current desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
AbilityNet accessibility services
- Speak to our experts
- View our accessibility products and services
- Access free accessibility webinars through AbilityNet Live
- Book onto an online training course
Support AbilityNet
If you're able to help us help others please donate to AbilityNet
