14-20 October is Get Online Week in Bridgend

Get Online Week – the UK’s biggest annual campaign to get people using the internet - will take place from 14 - 20 October and people from Bridgend will be taking part in activities across the county to mark the event. Whether you want to get connected, get a job, get healthy or get a bargain, using the internet can make everything quicker and easier.

During Get Online Week, people in Bridgend can find out how getting online could save them time, hassle and even money.

A busy week commences in Maesteg with an event designed for over 50’s who are new to the internet on Monday.

Tuesday sees ‘5 Steps to Getting Online’ drop in sessions at Blaengarw Workmens Hall and Westward Community Centre which are repeated at the Y Centre in Porthcawl on Friday.

On Thursday, the Zone in Bridgend is offering a session on ‘using online tools to help you look for work.

These events are supported by regular Learndirect workshops and drop in sessions in Pyle, Aberkenfig, Maesteg and Bridgend libraries running from Monday to Wednesday. There are also regular opportunities to gain help in using the Universal Jobmatch Website to search for, and apply for, jobs. These sessions are available in Bridgend, Pyle, Betws, Maesteg and Pencoed libraries.

Local Communities 2.0 Broker Michelle Walker said:

“Getting online is so important these days and is becoming even more so. So even if you’ve always thought the internet is not for you, why not come along and find out what it’s all about. What have you got to lose?” For more details about activities during Get Online Week, visit http://communities2point0.wordpress.com/2013/10/09/uk-get-online-week-2013 or call 0845 474 8282

Notes to Editors:

Get Online Week events in Bridgend

Monday 14/10/13, 10 – 3, Over 50s come and use the internet. Maesteg Media 3 Hub

Tuesday 15/10/13 10- 12, 5 steps to get online drop in Blaengarw Workmens Hall

Tuesday 15/10/13 2pm -4pm, 5 steps to get online drop in, Westward Community Centre

Thursday 17/10/13, 10 – 3 , how online tools can help you look for work:, The Zone Bridgend

Friday 18/10/13, 10am - 12pm 5 steps to get online drop in, The Y-Centre Porthcawl.

E-learning opportunities –Learndirect workshops and Drop in Sessions Improve your computer skills and awareness using computers – from absolute beginners to achieving a qualification with the British Computer Society. ECDL and Advanced ECDL. We can assist you in working with your PC, Laptop, Tablet, or Smartphone. Just come along to our informal workshops for free advice and support.

His sessions run at the following times and locations:

Monday 09.30 - 12.00, Pyle Library 14.00 - 16.30, Ty'r Ardd (Bridgend)

Tuesday 09.30 - 12.00, Y Llynfi (Maesteg) 14.00 - 16.30, Aberkenfig Library

Wednesday 09.30 - 10.30, Pyle Library 10.30 - 12.00, Pyle Library 12.00 - 13.30, Pyle Library

Free support and training for individuals looking for help using the Universal Jobmatch Website

Using the Universal Jobmatch website to search and apply for work there are free and informal drop in sessions available at a library near you. At these sessions you will also learn about the basics of using a computer, the internet, and email.

Contact Kris Rees on 07792322611 / kris.rees@bridgend.gov.uk or feel free to call in to one of the following:

Monday 09.30 - 12.00, Bridgend Library 13.30 - 16.00, Pyle Library (Training Room 1)

Tuesday 09.30 - 12.00, Bettws Library 14.00 - 16.30, Y Llynfi (Maesteg)

Wednesday 09.30 - 12.00, Pencoed Library