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Essential Digital Skills

One of the Digital Skills Partnership’s key aims is to work with local partners to address the ‘digital divide’.

9% of adults in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly have never used the internet compared with 6% nationally.

If you work or live with someone who needs help with basic digital skills, the resources on this page are a good starting point. You can also contact Cornwall Council’s Digital Inclusion team who have lots of free resources, including devices and connectivity, to help those who are unable to access the internet.

Advice and guidance for being online…

A great place to start if you are looking for links to advice and guidance relating to online help is the Cornwall Link Resource Page. You will find information and advice to help you through Covid-19, collated by Age UK Cornwall & The Isles of Scilly, disAbility Cornwall, CRCC, Digital Inclusion (Cornwall Council) and the Inclusion Cornwall teams, as well as other reliable contributors.

Subjects provide online help in the following areas: Safeguarding and Community, Health, Communication, Digital Skills, Benefits

 

Digital advice and guidance for daily life…

BT Skills for Tomorrow – free short video tutorials aimed at daily life, parents, business and teachers. In the Daily life section, you can find short tutorials on using email, online shopping, making the most of the internet and keeping your money safe.  In the parent section, you’ll find courses on learning at home and setting controls. The managing money section links to the Good Things Foundation courses which include topics on how to apply for Universal Credit.

 

Support to get online…

Cornwall Council has a Digital Inclusion Team that ordinarily provides a range of basic computer training in locations throughout Cornwall. At this time, face to face training is not taking place but if you have a device at home and wish to get started we can offer support online. Please email us at [email protected] 

 

Technology support on Facebook…

Software Cornwall employees and business members wanted to help the Cornish community in isolation as this time with technical problems they might have to keep them connected to the wider world

They created a Facebook Group called ‘Software Cornwall Tech Support’.  Anyone with a technical problem with computers, phones or tech in Cornwall can ask for help

Free online courses for beginners…

The Learn My Way  website will help you to develop digital skills to make the most of the online world.  The site has free courses for you to learn digital skills to stay safe and connected. In addition. Learn My Way have also launched Make It Click website containing resources dedicated to real-world challenges such as writing a CV or staying safe online.

Training courses to develop careers or hobbies…

Cornwall Council Adult Education offers high quality, interesting and enjoyable learning in a safe and clean environment. They offer qualifications to help you move on in life and at work, such as Access to Higher Education.

Wide range of digital “how-to” guides…

Digital Unite has an award-winning range of 400+ how-to guides covers a whole host of digital topics. Written by subject matter experts and updated daily, the guides are perfect for supporting others with digital skills or improving your own knowledge. Courses include subjects such as basic skills, Microsoft Office, EMail and Skype, Using the Internet, Social Networking and many more.

 

 

Easy to use video calls…

Zoom has become an essential platform for many people wanting to connect with friends and family in the last 4 months. The free version of Zoom enables video conferencing with unlimited 121 calls, group calls with 40 min limit and chat functions.