80,000 Target for Get Online Week
The fourth annual National Get Online Week (18-24 October 2010) is set to be the biggest yet, according to organisers UK online centres.
The first Get online day in 2007 successfully got 10,000 people online for the first time; this year’s aim is to encourage 80,000 people into nearly 3,000 Get online week events across the UK.
Some 9.2 million people in Britain don’t use computers and the internet; given that most new jobs require some IT skills, and that numerous Government and corporate services are going online, there are clearly serious side effects for not keeping up with the technology.
What’s more, the problem is worse for those already disadvantaged by age, disability or low income.
Managing Director of UK online centres, Helen Milner, said: “This year we’ve extended Get online week so anyone can run an event – not just existing UK online centres. We know from experience that local activity on the ground is crucial in getting people to take action and get involved in their communities.
“We’ve also been working closely with UK Digital Champion Martha Lane Fox and her Race Online 2012 partners to raise more general awareness of the campaign, and the benefits of being online,” she added.
Support for Get online week is coming from organisations including BT, mobile network 3, the Post Office and the Museums and Library Authority. The BBC’s own First Click media literacy campaign is being timed to complement Get online week.
More: 0800 77 1234, www.getonlineweek.com