RESIDENTS seeking advice on using technology and online services can now access free support at Bridgwater Town Hall’s warm space and drop in thanks to a new charity partnership.
The Town Council team will be working with Spark Somerset to join its digital inclusion network, as part of the Spark iT project which operates across the county.
The sessions will run every Tuesday from 10am-Midday during the weekly drop in, which operates until 2pm.
Ann-Marie Gould, Community Development Officer for Bridgwater Town Council, said: “It’s great to be able to offer even more support at our warm space and drop in. We already have a great space which helps keep local residents warm while tackling loneliness and isolation in the community, so being able to offer support for people who might be excluded by lack of digital skills or confidence is a vital addition.
“We are pleased to be able to work with the Spark iT project team to offer people who attend our drop in the chance to ask our digital champions any questions they may have about technology and getting online.
“If you’re interested in what is on offer, you can drop in at any point during the session to ask questions. We would also encourage anyone who might like to volunteer to come along and speak to us about getting involved.”
Digital support will be available from January 9th and continue on a weekly basis.
Ann-Marie, added: “With so many services moving online it is more important than ever that we make support available to those who are at risk of being left behind by the move. By hosting digital support at our drop in we are taking steps to tackle digital exclusion at a community level.
“We are keen to support as many people in Bridgwater as we can through various activities across the town, this is just one of the days we plan to offer help and assistance to those who need it in Bridgwater.”
The Spark iT project has already helped more than 2,000 people across Somerset to improve their digital skills and works with local and national partners to provide data and devices to those in need.
The Spark iT digital café network now has 18 venues, with 95 per cent of Somerset residents having a digital café within 10 miles of their home.
For more information about the wide range of Spark iT services and new digital café locations, visit Spark Somerset or telephone 01458 550977