Residents learn digital skills from Go On Wirral course

Jan 16 2013 by Our Correspondent, Birkenhead News

GO ON Wirral is an initiative which aims to help Wirral residents and businesses get online by recruiting “digital champions” and promoting opportunities to develop computer skills for all.

It is a partnership between Wirral Council, local businesses and the community and voluntary sector.

The project was set up to help people without any computer skills to have the confidence to use a computer. The initiative was conceived in view of the Government introducing “digital by default” in relation to benefit claims and other similar online applications.

December 2012 saw a group of very proud learners receive certificates at a presentation at 7 Waves Radio for entering the digital world for the first time.

Cllr Anita Leech – who was instrumental in pulling together the five-week course for Leasowe residents held at 7 Waves Radio – said: “It is so important that people become digitally aware and that we have the provision in our one-stop shops and libraries to accommodate the needs of the residents of Leasowe and Moreton East.

“Statistics reveal that 16 million adults in the UK don’t have basic online skills and it is estimated that 43% of people in Wirral are not going to be computer literate for the ‘digital by default’ implied by the Government.

“The students all really enjoyed the course. Some are intending to extend their studies and others have bought their own computers or family have bought them as Christmas presents.

“Thank you to Sue Higginson, principal of Wirral Met College, and her staff and Pauline Murphy of 7 Waves Radio for supporting this initiative and the people of Leasowe.

“The five-week course set up by myself with the assistance of 7 Waves Radio, Leasowe Development Trust, Leasowe Library, Leasowe Life Long Learning and Wirral Met College has been a great success and we hope to encourage more residents to enter the digital world.”

A learner who completed the course said: “Just a note to thank you for making me aware of your computer course at 7 Waves Radio.

“I had never been near a computer before, but from day one I felt confident.

“I am 62 years old now, own my own laptop and am surfing. I never thought it possible.”

If you are interested in attending a course, Leasowe Early Years and Adult Learning Centre, in Twickenham Drive, are able to accommodate any new learners. Call 0151-630 3486.

If you are interested in becoming a digital champion, visit www.wirral.gov.uk/my-services/community-and-living/digital-inclusion/go-wirral