20/06/2024 - Permalink

News from our partners: Free digital coaching at Qube helps Tony to get online

Related topics: Community / Leisure, culture and heritage / Partner organisations

Free digital coaching at Oswestry’s Qube has helped dozens of local people to boost their online confidence. Led by digital tutor Bee Morris and funded by Shropshire Council the programme is aimed at those who are baffled by the advances in technology that have left many feeling left behind. 

Tony learns digital skills from Bee at The Qube in Oswestry

Tony Sydenham, who has just completed a series of weekly digital learning sessions said:-

“When I read about this offer of free digital help at Qube, I jumped at the chance. I was not happy using the internet, and my lack of knowledge restricted me.

“It’s such a wonderful place with a lovely, friendly atmosphere. I felt at home from the start, and Bee is a wonderful teacher with so much patience and kindness. Thanks to this free service, I’m going online every day. I can email, shop and bank digitally, pay my bills and even play retro online games, which is great fun.

“It’s never too late to learn, more people need to know about the online world and how it can make your life easier. For me, improving my digital skills has been a very uplifting experience and I am grateful that I’ve been able to benefit from the programme.” 

Qube’s Chief Officer, Kim Wootton said:-

“The Digital Skills Programme is bringing different people into Qube who have not experienced our range of services before. It’s a popular addition to our programme and thanks to this new funding from Shropshire Council we’re able to support more people like Tony to improve their internet skills and confidence.” 

Shropshire Council offers the Digital Skills Programme from 24 locations across the area. The service is free for eligible residents and is delivered mainly through a network of more than 75 tech-savvy Digital Volunteers who kindly donate their time to help people overcome their digital difficulties. Each year, 750 individuals are supported through a free programme of one-to-one digital learning, or to access a Digital Drop-In for one-off technical problems. 

Digital Skills Programme venues include:  

  • Shrewsbury: The Roy Fletcher Centre; Barnabas Community Projects; Shrewsbury Library; Library at the Lantern Harlescott; Bayston Hill Library; Pontesbury Library.  
  • Oswestry: Qube and Oswestry Library.  
  • Whitchurch: BizEd Projects.  
  • Market Drayton: 4 All Foundation at The Zone Community Hub and Market Drayton Library.  
  • Wem: G.O.A.L. and Wem Library.  
  • Bishops Castle: Enterprise House.  
  • Church Stretton: Mayfair Community Centre.  
  • Other Libraries offering the digital Skills Programme include: Bridgnorth; Much Wenlock; Broseley; Shifnal; Craven Arms and Ludlow.  
  • Specialist digital support is available from Sight Loss Shropshire for people with visual impairments, Taking Part for people with learning difficulties and Shropshire Council’s supported employment service – Enable.  

For more information visit: Computer Skills For All or telephone 01743 254834