Tower Hamlets Get Online Campaign launched

The Tower Hamlets Get Online campaign aims to help residents across the borough to access the internet and learn new digital skills.
The council is launching its campaign with a Digital Bazaar at Idea Store Whitechapel on 8 October 2014, where a host of free and fun activities will be on offer for residents.
Free music, e-books and e-magazines will be available for download, residents will be given the chance to have their portrait taken alone or with family, and staff will be on hand to show residents how to look for jobs quickly and easily.
A week of free activities across the borough, from 13 – 19 October 2014, will be used to highlight the huge amount of choice that residents have when they are confident using the internet.
The Get Online campaign is open to those who are at the start of their online journey, and also aims to find ‘Digital Buddies’ in Tower Hamlets, who can help other people in their community to become more digital savvy and find out how the internet can make life easier for them.
For many people, the internet and the personal computer have both become a central part of everyday life, despite only emerging about 25 years ago.
But research shows that there 9.5 million people who currently don’t have the basic online skills to make the most of the internet across the UK.
Idea Stores throughout Tower Hamlets offer free access to the internet and there are a number of UK Online centres in the borough that offer free access to the internet too.
Tower Hamlets Mayor, Lutfur Rahman, said: “Getting online can open up a world of opportunities and new ways to communicate with friends and family.
“I would urge residents to take advantage of the wealth of support, advice and free internet access that is available in Tower Hamlets.”
Cllr Shafiqul Haque, Cabinet Member for Culture, said: “The Get Online campaign has something for everyone, and our staff and Digital Buddies are on hand to help residents at every stage of their online journey.”
Cllr Aminur Khan, Cabinet Member for Policy Strategy and Performance said: “It has become increasingly important to have good digital skills. They provide access to cheaper energy deals, skills courses and employment opportunities.”
To find out more about Get Online, or to become a Digital Buddy, contact your local Idea Store on 020 7364 4332.