The world of tablet computers are not by any means a private domain for the young – and one Moray organisation is out to prove that point.
Moray’s Living it Up is set to join with Jobcentre Plus in offering complete beginners an introduction to computers – including the ever popular ‘tablets’ – on board a mobile information bus which goes ‘on tour’ next week.
Dufftown, Rothes, Forres, Lhanbryde and Elgin will be the main stopping points for the tour, with all welcome to climb on board for taster sessions on just what can be achieved with laptops and tablets for those who are nervous or just plain scared of the technology.
Living it Up project manager Lorna Bernard explained: “We know that having a go on a computer for the first time can be daunting – but making the most of the fast-changing digital world means helping people get online and be comfortable with using digital technology in their daily lives.”
Community volunteers will demonstrate the group’s own website to show just how easy it can be to support health and wellbeing, using online resources to help become more involved in local communities by sharing experiences and living life to the full.
The Department for Work and Pensions provides a number of digital services to help people move into employment, including Universal Jobmatch the online job search service.
Karen Millar, Employer and Partnership Adviser from Jobcentre Plus in Elgin, said: “We are delighted to team up with Living it Up as the digital taster sessions are a great way of helping people build knowledge and skills so they can access a wide variety of online services with confidence.
“This is an ideal opportunity to reach people who have little or no access to the internet.
“Jobcentre Plus staff will be on hand to offer support and guidance on how to register for Universal Jobsmatch, apply for benefits online and will be a great way to prepare for Universal Credit.
“The Living it Up website also encourages people to consider volunteering as a way of using their time to help others while also feeling positive about themselves, and volunteering is a great addition to your C.V. for any job seeker.”
Sessions are on a drop-in and informal basis and there will be opportunities to book further, more in-depth sessions as required.
For further information contact Living it Up on 01343 567135 (answer phone) or by email to moray@livingitup.org.uk.
Dates and times for the tour are:
• Tuesday, March 3 – Dufftown Square from 9.30am until 12.30pm
• Tuesday, March 3 – Seafield Square Rothes from 1.30pm until 4.30pm.
• Wednesday, March 4 from 9.30am until 4.30pm (closed 12.30 to 1.30) – Tesco, Forres
• Thursday March 5 from 9.30am until 12.30pm – Lhanbryde Community Centre Car Park
• Thursday March 5 from 1.30pm until 4.30pm – next to Premier Store on Newmill Road, Elgin