The team of Community Tech Coaches at Tech Skills for Life West Norfolk is inviting local residents to a drop-in event on Tuesday 12 September from 10am to 4pm at The Place, King’s Lynn to find out more about getting online. People can bring their laptops, smartphones or tablet and have a free ‘how-to’ advice session. Anyone struggling to afford broadband is warmly invited to get free advice and free data to power their smartphone or tablet. People can also sign up to find out how they can get a free laptop or tablet.

Cllr Fabian Eagle, Norfolk County Council Cabinet Member for Growing the Economy said: “The Tech Skills for Life team aims to help anyone, whatever their age or personal circumstances to get online, whether for the first time, or because their phone data regularly runs out. The team will also teach people useful life skills such how to do grocery shopping or to book health appointments online, or how to use the internet to apply for jobs.”

In the past 6 weeks, the Tech Skills for Life-West Norfolk team has given out free data to people struggling with running out of credit, has loaned laptops and tablets to people who’ve never used the internet before, has shown people how to get the most out of their smartphones and has given out free laptops, tablets and data so that people can apply for jobs online and young people and children can do their homework.

Janie Brister, Community Tech Coach said: “It’s brilliant to be able to help people get online and show them how to do things that make their life easier. So far I’ve helped grandparents video call their grandchildren and I’ve taught a carer how to do the online shopping.  I’ve helped a single parent get a free laptop because it’s difficult to write a CV on your phone. We’ve helped lots of young people get free laptops so they can do their coursework and I’ve given out loads of free data and advice about getting a cheaper broadband tariff when you’re in receipt of universal benefits.”

For those unable to get to the drop-in event, visit your local library or call 01485 536420 and arrange to speak to a Tech Coach at a more convenient time.

For more information www.norfolk.gov.uk/techskillsforlife

ENDS

Tech Skills for Life is one of several pilot projects funded by the Norfolk Investment Framework

For political comment
For details of cabinet members, committee chairs and agendas, please see: www.norfolk.gov.uk/cabinetandchairs
Group leaders’ and councillors’ contact details are available at: www.norfolk.gov.uk/countycouncillors

For further information please contact:
Communications Team at Norfolk County Council
Tel: 01603 228888
Email: pressoffice@norfolk.gov.uk