UCKG Training Centres invite you to Go ON and get more

Internet access, Jobcentre Plus, Peckham, UCKG,

Friday 14th January 2011

UCKG Training Centres at Bromley Road, Catford, Rye Lane, Peckham and London Road, Croydon will be helping the nation to get online, by inviting people who don’t already use the Internet to make going online their New Year’s resolution.

The three centres are participating in this winter’s Go ON – get more out of life online campaign by providing introductory sessions to show anyone and everyone how computers and the Internet could help them in everyday life.

Sessions are available during January from 10am to 4pm and comprise:

1. Your welcome to the training centre;
2. A brief introduction to the work of the centre and what we can offer;
3. Introduction to the UK online project and the event;
4. Visitors’ registration – required by UK online;
5. An opportunity to try out online facilities, with friendly help from UCKG’s IT trainers as required

They take place at Catford on January 17, at Peckham on January 18, and at Croydon on January 21 and are available on a first come, first served basis.

Outside those dates anyone who is already enrolled on various IT and English for speakers of other language courses at UCKG training centres may access the Go ON programme.

Vivian Katso, the UCKG’s training centre manager said: “We are delighted to be partnering UK online once more. We’ve have been inundated with enthusiastic learners in previous years when we have taken part in initiatives to help the nine million adults in the UK who don’t use the Internet, and I expect much the same this time around.

“With services going online all the time and most new jobs now requiring Internet access, people who do not yet have the necessary skills could be missing out in all sorts of quite serious ways as well as in their leisure activities.

“The Go ON – get more out of life online campaign is designed to rectify this by showing people how to get on at work, keep in touch, save time and money, learn new things, explore interests and hobbies and generally get more out of life.

“If you’ve never used computers before, or if you’re just not too sure about them, you should come along to one of our training centres. Going online is really not difficult and I’m sure you could be getting more out of life online!”

Anyone wanting more information about the campaign sessions in UCKG training centres is welcome to call the dedicated helpline on 020 7686 6013.

Go ON – get more out of life takes place between 17 January and 14 February. Thousands of people are expected to take up the Go ON challenge at more than 1,500 UK online centres just like the UCKG training centres in Finsbury Park, Edmonton, Kilburn and Wood Green. The campaign is being backed by Race Online 2012 partners including the BBC and Jobcentre Plus.

Notes to editors:

UCKG is a Christian church and registered charity that offers a range of practical support activities alongside spiritual support and comfort. It reached the UK in 1995 and has gone from strength to strength, providing support and spreading the Christian faith. There are 39 UCKG branches in England and Wales.

• The Go ON get more out of life online campaign from UK online centres aims to inspire people to make going online their New Year’s Resolution.
• People can find their nearest UK online centre by calling 0800 77 1234, or visiting www.myguide.gov.uk to get started with free and easy computer and internet courses immediately.

• 30 million people use the internet everyday in the UK. More than half of all leisure travel is now booked online, 90 per cent of all new jobs require basic internet skills and seven million jobs were posted online last year. However, there are still nine million adults in the UK who have never used the Internet, and are missing out on the benefits, opportunities and conveniences it can provide. What’s more, the problem is worst for those already at a disadvantage, including older people, those with disabilities or on low incomes. Visit www.raceonline2012.org to read more in Digital Champion Martha Lane Fox’s Digital Manifesto –Manifesto for a Networked nation. 
• UK online centres provide millions of people with access to technology and support in using it. They offer free or low cost access to the Internet and email, deliver online courses and encourage people to progress onto further learning. For more information please visit www.ukonlinecentres.com.