Free local events to help offline
get to grips with computers
A series of free events across the North East are aiming to help offline people get to grips with computers and the internet, and show how technology can help keep people healthy, happy and connected.
The events are part of a Digital Inclusion Project - or DIP – and the challenge for people in the North East is to ‘DIP in and try IT’ for the first time.
More than 20 events will be taking place at UK online centres over August and September, and are being supported by North East Mental Health Development Unit (hosted by NHS County Durham), in association with Northern Pinetree Trust and Mental Health North East.
Ernie Nolan from The Acorn Computer Centre, situated at 186 High St East, Wallsend, one of the UK online centres holding DIP in and try IT events, explains: “Computers and the internet can help people connect with family and friends, and with vital services and information. In doing so they can reduce social isolation and open up new opportunities and new worlds. For those struggling with physical or mental health issues, technology can be a real lifeline, and we want to make sure people in the North East are able to make the connections and take the opportunities it provides.”
There are an estimated 10 million adults in the
Ernie continues: “Dip in and try IT is all about getting people together and getting them online to see how the internet could save them time, hassle and even money. They can learn a new skill, find out some useful information, and most of all have fun at the same time! It doesn’t matter if you’ve never even touched a computer before, our friendly staff are going to be on hand to help you get to grips with computers and the internet once and for all.”
To find your nearest DIP in and try IT event, call free on 0800 77 1234.
· DIP in and try IT events are taking place across the North East over August and September. Local events include:
Area | Centre Name | Date of Event(s) |
Wallsend | Acorn Computers | Throughout August and September, Mon-Fri |
BFE | 8th & 15th Sept | |
Farringdon, | Jubilee Centre | 23rd Aug & 8th September |
Bishop Auckland | Learning Concepts | 16th Aug – another to be confirmed for Sept |
Learning Concepts | 10th Sept | |
Stobhill, Morpeth | CMDA | 15th Sept |
Isabella Centre | 15th Sept | |
Fenham, | Learning Links | Sept - |
Learning Links | Sept – | |
Eston, | 7th Sept | |
Hope Foundation | Sept - | |
Ushaw Moor | 2nd & 9th Sept | |
BRIDGE | 9th Sept | |
Low Fell, | Low Fell Library | 7th Sept |
Manor Residents | 10th Sept | |
- UK online centres provide millions of people with access to technology and support in using it. They offer free or low cost access to the internet and email, deliver online courses and encourage people to progress onto further learning. For more information please visit www.ukonlinecentres.com. UK online centres are managed by Ufi, the organisation also behind learndirect.
Acorn Computers Community Interest Company, was formed out of a previous computer repairs and sales business, (Segedunum), based in Wallsend, having been founded in late 2004, by Ernie Nolan. With a passion for helping in local community matters, Ernie took the decision to change the business and form a Social Enterprise venture, with the aim of offering the following services:
- UK online centres free computer/Internet access.
- Re-use and Recycling of old and redundant IT equipment.
- Refurbishment of IT items for low cost resale and free donations.
- IT training services for the local unemployed.
- Opportunities for volunteers.
- School work experience placements.
- General IT repairs, maintenance, sales and services to the community.
Citizens Advice Bureau are holding free information and advice drop in's across Gateshead.
The sessions will cover lots of issues such as debt, housing, benefits, employment, and family issues. The drop in sessions will be held in Felling Health Centre, Dunston Activity Centre, Bede Health Centre. For further information please click on the links below:
As you may be aware, Gateshead Council (Dryden Centre) are offering local employers and organisations the opportunity to participate in our funded and accredited training programmes. I have attached the outlines of the courses which are currently available; NVQ's and apprenticeships.
Much of this training is available free of charge for a limited time
Our trainers have worked for some of the country’s most prominent and successful organisations. We are able to pass this expertise onto you through nationally recognised development programmes. Learners receive first class training, one to one mentoring and assessments with regular feedback on performance and knowledge.
Please feel free to contact me directly if you have any queries.
Regards
Jim Owens
Business Development Officer
Adult Learning & Skills
Room 21
Dryden Centre
Evistone Road
Gateshead Council
NE9 5UR
Tel: 0191 4338761
Please click on link below for information booklet
Dear Resident
Volunteering
Please find enclosed information about a volunteering opportunity from Gateshead Council and Gateshead Primary Care Trust. We are working with
I hope you can spare the time to look through the information below and please get in touch if you would like to be involved or to find out more.
Yours faithfully
Alyson Learmonth
Director of Public Health
Gateshead Council, Gateshead Community Network, Gatshead Primary Care Trust and Durham University
- Are you interested in talking to others?
- Are you interested in helping to improve local services?
- Are you available in September 2010?
We are looking for volunteers to help us get the views of local residents. We want to find out about whether they know about and use local health services and projects.
We will be working in the following areas but you will be able to choose which area/s you volunteer in;
- Bensham and Saltwell
- Highfield
- Wrekenton
- Communities from
Sunderland Rd & St James Village to Stoneygate - Teams and Derwentwater
How much time will you be expected to give?
Information session – 7th September 4.00pm – 5.00pm or 6.00pm – 7.00pm at Bewicks Restaurant in Gateshead Civic Centre
Find out more about the project and have the chance to meet other volunteers.
Taster session – 8th September between 1.00pm – 6.00pm at Gateshead Central Library
Come along for at least an hour to try the surveys and practice with a friend or another volunteer.
We will be carrying out the surveying between 13 – 30th September. We are asking volunteers to give around 5 days during this period.
Volunteers will be able to claim reasonable expenses in line with our expenses policy.
For further information contact:
On October 2nd Eye of the Fly will hold their 3rd annual event called the 1200 Project bringing together more that 30 of the region's creative tutors as well as exhibiting artists who have developed work at the charity's facility in the past two months. Performance artists including an internationally acclaimed pupeteer, a digeridoo player and six under 18's breakdance crews competing for the first prize of a hot air ballon ride across Northumberland.. The charity is selling tickets leading up to the event for individuals and groups looking to participate. Tickets are £1.00 per person which will gain them access to all 16 activities delivered on the day including:
Recycled fashion, circus skills, bat box making, mongolian ger construction, origami, indian drumming, clay model making, music technology.
An additional element of the project will focus on the charity's environment work across the region and every participant will receive a free fruit tree to take away on the day. Volunteers for the day would be more than welcome, please contact eyeofthefly@hotmail.com or telephone 07903550720 for ticket information.
20th April GCN Steering Group
At the recent Steering Group meeting, members agreed that any existing members of the Network could come along and join our Steering Group. All future meetings will be open meetings therefore if you at all interested you can come along and join in. This months meeting will take place on 18th May at GVOC from 10 - 12 lunch to follow. Please see table below for future dates.
| Monday September 13th | 10 - 12 noon | GVOC Meeting Room |
| Tuesday October 19th | 10 - 12 noon | GVOC Meeting Room |
| Tuesday November 16th | 10 - 12 noon | GVOC Meeting Room |
The group meet for two hours every month to discuss Network business and issues, they are the decision makers of the Network.
19th April
Our Gateshead
Our Gateshead is a new community web site promoting the variety of events and activities happening across Gateshead. Many different community and voluntary organisations are adding information to the site, to help you find out what's happening and how to get involved. Groups can add content for FREE!!! just go to www.ourgateshead.org to find out more.
^Top of page^ | Go back | Print This Page 
^Top of page^ | Go back | Print This Page
^Top of page^ | Go back | Print This Page
^Top of page^ | Go back | Print This Page
^Top of page^ | Go back | Print This Page
^Top of page^ | Go back | Print This Page
