Vicky ParryCity of York Council in partnership with York College, Workers’ Educational Association (WEA) and York Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) is running a week-long series of workshops to encourage residents to ‘get online’ this autumn.
The week offers residents an extra opportunity to discover the wealth of information, services and resources that can be found online through a full programme of events held during the week.
On Monday 15 October, beginners can take their first steps to getting online with a drop-in session at York Explore when they can try out computers, learn about computer safety and chat to tutors about what to do next.
On Wednesday 17 October will be held a ‘From Passport to Planning: make life easier and avoid queues’, workshop at York Explore all about how the internet can make life simpler. Residents can learn about online council services and how they can save time; from registering to get council tax bills online, checking when their bin collections are due and giving feedback on a planning application, as well as useful websites including where they can apply for a passport or car tax and check out their pension age.
The council’s growing portfolio of online services offer residents more choice in how they do businesses with the authority, this Its suite of ‘Do it online’ services is at www.york.gov.uk and give fast, round-the-clock access to people who want to make applications, book or find services, have their say on consultations, make payments to the council or report matters like graffiti or fly-tipping.
Other workshops include online job searching, social media for beginners, a games day and one called ‘Get to know what your computer/gadget can do’.
Cllr Sonja Crisp, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism, said: “Some people might not be aware of the services we offer online and how they can make everyday jobs so much easier, so this week is a good opportunity to learn what is on offer. The programme is packed with events that will solve any problems around computers, and help give people the confidence to get online.”
All sessions are free, for a full programme of all the events visit here.
