|
News archive Minister sees UK online centres bridging digital divide Pat McFadden, Minister for Social Exclusion, paid a visit to Greenwich UK online centres at Charlton Triangle Homes and at Green Lawns Supported Housing this week. 
Parliamentary Under-Secretary at the Cabinet Office, Pat McFadden, spoke to customers at the two Greenwich centres and heard how using computers and the internet had helped them improve their lives and find new friends, interests and opportunities. He also met with Lead Councillor at Greenwich Council, Chris Roberts, and Helen Milner, Managing Director of UK online centres. They discussed the growing 'digital divide' between those using IT (information technology) and those left behind, and how that balance is being redressed in Greenwich. They also discussed how the centres are helping people save time, money and hassle by accessing council and government services online. UK online centres are based across England, and provide free or low-cost access to technology and support in using it to around three million people a year. They also deliver online courses to help and encourage learners to progress on to further learning opportunities. Pat McFadden said: "Technology is empowering and becomes more so as it develops. Practical everyday IT skills like word processing can improve your home life and prospects, so it was a real pleasure to meet so many people gaining new IT skills. "Many of the people I met started with little or no experience of computers, and I was impressed by their confidence and the dedication of the staff supporting them. By making technology relevant, they’re ensuring IT has both a positive and lasting impact on people’s ambitions and lives." Helen Milner added: "Technology and the skills to use it are fast becoming a necessity rather than a luxury. With 90 per cent of new jobs now requiring IT skills and 90 per cent of public services now available online, those not using computers and the internet are missing out. What's more is that it's often those with most to gain from technology who have the least access to it. UK online centres aim to bridge the digital divide between the 'have-nets' and the 'have-nots', and I’m delighted the Minister got to see that work in practice in Greenwich." Councillor Chris Roberts said: "There are 19 Greenwich UK online centres across the borough, run in partnership between Greenwich Council and community organisations, located in community centres, estates and high streets. "Gaining confidence using a computer can be a first step back into education for many people and an informal way of gaining up-to-date skills. Whoever you are and whatever your age, IT skills can be useful, and fun. Whether people want to get a qualification or just get online, keep their minds active or keep up with their children - even if they just want to find out local information or have their say about local issues - the centres are there to help." At the Green Lawns centre, they met with service-user Alice Afolabi, a 73-year-old former midwife, who is writing a book about her experiences. She explained: "I've only been coming into the centre for a few weeks, but already I'm a real fan of technology! My tutor Daniel is very patient and very nice – he is also very good at explaining things, which is good because sometimes it takes a while for them to sink in! It’s also nice to learn with people of my age, because everyone is in the same boat and it's very friendly." For more information about Greenwich UK online centres, call 0800 0130 730 or visit www.greenwich.gov.uk Ends For more information about this press release, please contact Abi Stevens on 0778 666 0689. Notes to editors
|
