Notes to editors

• UK online centres provide millions of people with access to technology and support in using it. There are approximately 6,000 UK online centres across England, which provide free or low cost access to the internet and email, deliver online courses and encourage people to progress onto further learning.


• UK online centres facts and figures:
• There are UK online centres in 78% of the most deprived super output areas in England.
• An estimated two thirds of UK online centre users are socially excluded.
• 97% of UK online centre e-government users say the feel reassured just by having staff around to support online transactions.
• Six months on, nearly half are continuing to find useful online information independently.
• A third of users progress to take up information, advice and guidance, further education or employment.


• The myguide site - www.myguide.gov.uk - offers a free, easy to use email service and web search facility from a clean, simple homepage which can be personalised to the individual by changing font size and colour, visual and audio settings. It's designed to be supported by staff in local centres who help make sure people's first steps onto the internet are a positive experience.
• UK online centres are managed by Ufi, the organisation also behind learndirect. For more information please visit www.ukonlinecentres.co.uk