Volunteers help boost Digital Fridays in local libraries
Posted on Tuesday 30th May 2017
Residents keen to learn more about using the internet can get help at some of Newport City Council’s libraries.
These events are run in conjunction with volunteers from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) and support from Digital Communities, the Welsh Government digital inclusion project, working with the council to develop Digital Fridays as one way people can be supported to do more online.
Councillor Deb Harvey, Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure said: “This free service is available to anyone who would like help in finding their way around the internet and to give people confidence in using their devices.
“We are very grateful to have this partnership with our library staff and ONS volunteers who are available to answer questions and give practical advice during these weekly and monthly sessions.”
The drop in sessions are every Friday at Central and Ringland libraries from 2pm to 4pm and monthly at Rogerstone library, 9.15am to 11.15am on June 23, July 28, August 18, September 29, October 20 and November 24 and at Bettws library from 9.30am to 11.30am on 9 June, 21 July, 11 August, 22 September, 13 October and 17 November.
Nathanael Jones, Digital Fridays volunteer coordinator said: “Here at the Office for National Statistics (ONS) we are always looking for ways in which we can help people have better access to information.
“With so many resources and services now online it’s important that people are able to use this technology. Working with Newport City Library to provide this support is something ONS staff find very rewarding.”
Matthew Lloyd, project manager, Digital Communities Wales also praised ONS volunteers and library staff. He said: “The Digital Fridays sessions are a great way for people to access support on a relaxed, drop-in basis.
“The partnership between Newport City Council and the ONS is an excellent example of the public sector joining together, to help people take gradual steps to using digital technology for personal benefit.
“Digital Communities Wales has supported the initiative in Newport and other counties that run Digital Fridays and drop-ins, in our mission to work with partners to ensure that everyone who wants to get online is supported to do so. The approach in Newport is to be applauded and we are keen to support the development of similar ideas across Wales.”