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Coastal View & Moor News Issue 17 Getting online and why it’s a must W By Paul Davies


e had a brilliant time during Get Online Week here at Destinations


where lots of new faces came along to see what they could get out of Computers and the Internet and how they might climb aboard the Information Highway. With great sessions also held at a couple of Libraries everyone was having fun with new online activities, it was a really uplifting time.


It went to bring into sharp focus what not being online or being able to use the Internet can mean. There are still 8.7 million people in the UK who’ve never made a free Skype call to a loved one, explored their interests or got a great deal online. In fact, in the UK:


• The average household can save up to £560 a year by shopping and paying bills online (Race Online 2012)


• 90% of jobs require basic internet skills (Nielsen Company 2009) and people with good ICT skills can earn up to 10% more than people without such skills (Centre for the Economics of Education, 2007)


• Over 25 million people use Facebook to share photos and news with family and friends, and it’s entirely free. This is just one of the ways that being online can combat the social isolation and loneliness experienced by 3.1 million over 65 year olds who see a friend, relative or neighbour less than once a week. (Participle.net) Some startling facts but just a few short


hours going over the basics can really make a difference, take some of the concerns and fears about the Internet away, and make getting to grips with it a much less daunting prospect. During Get Online Week we helped people complete online forms for the first time, search out and order


Christmas presents,


apply for seasonal jobs, we also had one of our oldest starters, at 89 come along to see what it was all about and get themselves some IT skills.


Paul Davies and John Popham discuss getting online and the residents of Moorsholm talk about their problems of not be able to connect


If you fancy learning a bit more yourself or if you’ve got a relation, friend or neighbour who is missing out on the internet, there are loads of ways we at Destinations could help, most of what we do is free and asking our advise will always cost nothing. Just call Sue or Paul 01287 626432 or drop in to see us on Station Street in Saltburn.


The week ending with a reminder of some fundamental truths however. No matter how keen you may be to maximise computer technology and being Online, if you can not get access to the Internet then you are somewhat stuck. Friday 4th November saw


CAFE & COFFEE SHOP Serving Fresh Food Daily


Enrolling now for a range of ICT courses Call in for a coffee and take advantage of our internet access.


New informal learning packages to suit all IT levels. Learn at your own pace either at home or at the centre.


Station Sq, Saltburn, 01287 626432 Mob 07950838879 Mon - Thurs 9am - 6pm Fri 9am - 5pm


Sat 9.30am -3pm


social media and new technology expert John Popham visit Moorsholm on his UK tour of rural villages to highlight the plight of communities unable to get online and try to make the big Telecoms companies listen to there problems. His event was supported by Downton Abbey start Hugh Bonneville and the Country Land and Business Association. It was a wonderful event with residents turning out in force to hear what John had to say and hopefully to help move towards a solution. With local MP Tom Blenkinsop also present it’s hoped that the issue will remain a priority within Government and policy makers. John Popham said of his Moorsholm visit: “The final day of the challenge began with torrential rain, but the mood was brightened immediately when I walked into Moorsholm Memorial Hall to be greeted by some 50 residents, together with the local MP, Tom Blenkinsop, who were passionate and committed in their determination to do something about the poor quality of


broadband in their North Yorkshire village. “As resident after resident pointed out, Moorsholm is not particularly remote, and yet there are people there who get landline broadband speeds as low as 68kbps. Particularly frustrating is that next-door neighbours can get wildly different speeds to each other. There were tales about the impossibility of doing business online; about having to move away to study, and a story about the lady who is unable to use Skype to see her grandchildren in Australia. “The really good news is that Moorsholm seems to have a plan coming together to address its problems, led by local resident, Trevor Watson. As Tom Blenkinsop, MP agreed, poor broadband has become a powerful catalyst for community action in the village.”


More on John Popham’s visit can be seen at http://johnpopham.wordpress.com/ …..providing of course that you can get Online!!!


North East to benefit from broadband billions


the news and said it would help create and safeguard jobs in the region.


Fiona said: “Despite recent investment, parts of the North East are still stuck in the Internet slow lane. This new multi- billion pound plan will ensure everyone has access to super fast broadband, wherever they live or work.


Fiona Hall MEP, Lord Shipley, Sir Alan Beith MP, Cllr Jeff Reid and Cllr Owen Temple.


T


he North East is set to benefit from a share of billions of pounds in EU cash aimed at bringing super fast broadband to everyone.


The £8 billion investment announced by the European Commission yesterday will help eliminate the Internet black-spots which blight parts of the North East. Local Lib Dem MEP Fiona Hall welcomed


“It is particularly vital for businesses which increasingly rely on the Internet. It will allow smaller villages and towns to sustain businesses that have previously been forced to relocate to secure faster Internet connections. “And the work required to roll these improvements out will also help create jobs in the North East. In difficult economic times it is right that major investment is aimed at encouraging growth and ensuring we have the infrastructure to remain competitive in the future.”


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