Press release -
New Project Will Teach Employment And Online Skills For The Young And Elderly In Rhondda Cynon Taf
A new three-year project to give people in Rhondda Cynon Taf vital employment and
computer skills has been launched at an event in Porth.
The project, called ‘Get IT Together RCT’ is a partnership between national charity Citizens Online, Communities2.0, Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough Council, BT and Nominet Trust.
It will help young people, aged 16 to 25, to develop the skills they need to find employment. At the same time they will be putting their own computer skills to good use by teaching older people how to access the Internet, giving them the confidence needed to take advantage of its many benefits.
Get IT Together RCT, is part of a national programme that promotes access to Information Communications Technology (ICT) particularly for people who are digitally excluded for social
or economic reasons.
The event at The Pop Factory in Porth, aimed at project partners and frontline staff, provided an ideal opportunity for them to find out more about what support is on offer locally to help get people in RCT online.
Ann Beynon, BT's director for Wales, said: "Not being able to use the internet can leave people isolated and disadvantaged. We're committed to helping people in Wales get online and to take advantage of this valuable means of communication. This is an exciting step forward in a journey to help both young people get jobs and older people to benefit from the online world.”
Cllr Craig Middle, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Social Justice and Customer Care, said: “The Council is pleased to be a key part of what is set to be an exciting partnership that not only gets people online, but also creates employment, skills and opportunities for local young people. “The Council is committed to providing such opportunities for its residents and recognises the importance of ensuring people of all ages and walks of life not only have access to technology, but
can use it confidently and effectively in a way that makes a difference to them – from social networking and online supermarket shopping to searching for a job or applying for services online.
“This can be seen in the way we have equipped our libraries to offer access to computers and across service areas such as adult education, older peoples’ support, community learning and more.”
John Fisher, chief executive of Citizens Online, said: “We are really pleased to be working in RCT and looking forward to working with our partners on this intergenerational project, providing both employability skills for younger people and opportunities, skills and confidence for the older generation to get online.”
Cathryn Marcus, Communities 2.0 project director, said: “Knowing how to get online and use technology can help you stay in touch with family and friends, save money and even get more out of your hobbies. Being online has become increasingly important in recent years, as many more services go online. The vast majority of jobs now require some level of IT proficiency. Most vacancies are advertised on the web, with many requiring you to be online to apply for them.
“The forthcoming Welfare Reform and the introduction of Universal Credit will bring significant challenges for many residents who are unable to use digital technologies. This proactive partnership
approach to digital inclusion in Rhondda Cynon Taf will ensure that people are able to access a well co-ordinated, appropriate package of support.”
Annika Small, Nominet Trust CEO, commented: “Digital technology offers new ways for people to develop and demonstrate their skills and talents. Importantly it can help both younger people and those later in life to connect with the wider community, whether that is active participation in their local neighbourhood or boosting their skills and confidence which will help when it comes to applying for a job. “
“Nominet Trust is delighted to be supporting Get IT Together RCT which makes a significant contribution to ensuring that everyone – regardless of age, income, ability or location – can
use the internet to enhance their lives.”
Further information about the project, please contact Ryan Bevan by telephoning on 07788 395934 or via email - ryan.bevan@citizensonline.org.uk. The campaign also has a website at http://getrctonline.org.uk/.
Topics
- Economy, Finance
Categories
- wales
- financial inclusion
- digital inclusion
- communities 2.0
Regions
- Wales
For further information about this press release, please contact Chris de Felice, Programme Manager, Citizens Online, on 07557265554 (chris.defelice@citizensonline.org.uk)
Alternatively contact the BT Wales press office on its 24-hour number 0800 085 0660 (chris.orum@bt.com)
Citizens Online
Citizens Online is a national charity that believes participation in the digital world
is a fundamental part of modern life. It is our aim to ensure that the benefits of digital technologies can be enjoyed and shared by everybody, so that our society may become more inclusive and
just.
Website: www.citizensonline.org.uk
Facebook: ‘Like’ CitizensOnline
Twitter: ‘Follow’ @citizensonline1
Tel: 01793 88 28 00
Communities 2.0
Communities 2.0 is a Welsh Government programme and is part of the Delivering a Digital Wales strategy. Communities 2.0 is delivered by four partner organisations – the Wales Co-operative Centre, Pembrokeshire Association of Voluntary Services, Carmarthenshire County Council and the George Ewart Evans Centre for Storytelling (University of Glamorgan). Much of the funding for Communities 2.0 has come from the European Regional Development Fund. Communities 2.0 works in the Convergence area of Wales and parts of Wrexham, Flintshire and Powys, helping communities and small enterprises to make the most of the internet.
Website: www.communities2point0.org.uk
Facebook: ‘Like’ Communities 2.0
Twitter: ‘Follow’ @Communities2_0
Tel: 0845 474 8282
BT Get IT Together
BT’s Get IT Together programme is all about empowering people to get online - making the most of what the internet has to offer.
BT's Digital Inclusion Heritage
BT is at the heart of digital communications, whether that is providing superfast broadband or helping to tackle digital exclusion. It is committed to making a positive difference to society and, by providing ICT and related services, believes it can make a tangible difference to communities that find themselves on the wrong side of the digital divide.
BT has been helping people to get online since 2002 by bringing the benefits of ICT to disadvantaged communities across the UK. BT annually approves investment for sustainable and responsible business, with a target of at least one per cent of its annual pre-tax profits in programmes which benefit society and the environment. Last year, BT invested £31.9 million in programmes which ranged from supporting BT volunteers working in schools and community organisations to helping disadvantaged children in India escape poverty and become part of the digital society.
Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough Council
Rhondda Cynon Taf is the third largest local authority in Wales and was formed nearly 20 years ago following a merger of the former Rhondda, Cynon Valley and Taff Ely Councils.
With a population of nearly 250,000 and some 100,000 households, Rhondda Cynon Taf is a county borough of rich history and heritage, with diverse, varied communities.
Nominet Trust
Nominet Trust is a UK registered charity, which believes in the power of digital technology to improve lives and communities. The Trust brings together, invests in and supports people committed to using digital technology to create social and economic value.
Nominet Trust has invested in hundreds of projects since its inception, providing business support as well as financial investment, seeking to connect projects to prospective partners who can help increase their reach and impact.
Nominet Trust was founded in 2008 by Nominet, the not-for-profit organisation responsible for the smooth and secure running of the .uk internet infrastructure. Nominet has a strong public purpose and the Trust is one example of its commitment to creating a safer, accessible and diverse internet.
About BT
BT is one of the world’s leading providers of communications services and solutions, serving customers in more than 170 countries. Its principal activities include the provision of networked IT services globally; local, national and international telecommunications services to its customers for use at home, at work and on the move; broadband and internet products and services and converged fixed/mobile products and services. BT consists principally of four lines of business: BT Global Services, BT Retail, BT Wholesale and Openreach.
In the year ended 31 March 2012, BT Group’s revenue was £18,897m with profit before taxation of £2,445m.
British Telecommunications plc (BT) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BT Group plc and encompasses virtually all businesses and assets of the BT Group. BT Group plc is listed on stock exchanges in London and New York.
For more information, visit www.btplc.com
