Introducing Post Office Broad Band Free Digital Drop-In Service Across UK
Growing up without technology, other than my Spectrum ZX or, in later years, a Gameboy, I can still remember how amazing it was to get my first mobile phone aged 19, a free gift with my student bank account and, admittedly, the size of a brick. Throughout my 20’s technology seemed to move so fast – the introduction of smart phones, televisions, watches and tablets, and now, in my 30’s, it’s hard to imagine, or even remember, a life before the digital revolution!
It fascinates me to see the world through the eyes of my elderly Grandmother, almost 91 years old and completely amazed by how technology has advanced. Even for my own parents, both in their 60’s, they can’t get over the world that is available to them at the touch of their fingertips, and it’s unsurprising that often it can leave them feeling a little overwhelmed.
So it’s understandable that a recent survey revealed one in five people feel left behind by the digital revolution, with more than half struggling to use smart home devices, and a fifth struggling with every day devices including smartphones. 44 % say they have never been taught how to use their devices, and a third don’t fully understand the features on their devices or, 29% state, not knowing how to set them up.
With a whopping 73% of people admitting they would like support to improve their tech skills, this is where the Post Office Broadband is joining forces with Google Digital Garage to launch digital drop-ins across the country to help close the skills gap and boost the nations digital confidence.
Held in a number of UK libraries the events will offer a comfortable space for attendees to ask any questions they may have and learn how to get the most from their internet and internet enabled devices. The drop-ins will get underway in the cities that were revealed to be the least digitally confident – Plymouth, Cardiff, Leeds, Norwich, Belfast and Southampton.
Workshops will be held as 121 sessions and group workshops, and will cover topics such as ‘Device Advice’, ‘Staying Safe Online’ and ‘Getting Started online.’ They will be free and open to anyone who wants to take part to grow their confidence online.
This Friday I will be attending my nearest drop-in at Leeds, so do feel free to come along and join us!
For more information or to register your interest in attending a Post Office and Google Digital Garage Drop-in visit: https://www.postofficedigitaldrop-ins.co.uk/ or call (0800 068 1791).
** This is a collaborative post. I will be attending the drop-in and compensated for my time. **
Going to have to show my dad this as it’s right up their street in terms of having some 1-2-1 support for technology!!
I only really think of the Post Office when it comes to posting letters and parcels but it has come a long way huh! It’s great they are collaborating with Google to help educate people.
What a brilliant idea. I often get my Mum on the phone asking me how to do things
What a fantastic idea! I will have to check if there’s one close to us that my mum can go along to as she would really benefit from this.
What an absolutely briliant idea! This is going to help out so many people. I’m going to look for my nearest drop in centre to share with my family. x
Technology really has come on in leaps and bounds, hasn’t it. The kids seem to suss it out so quickly, but I feel I could benefit from these drop in sessions!
These workshops sound like great ideas, and although my parents are pretty confident (i think) i know my nan would really benefit from something like this x
This sounds like a great idea. I will have to check if there is any around here 🙂
I love this! Great way to include people who feel out of the digital circle x
Sometimes I am often left bewildered by how fact technology moves hence free training such as this is so helpful for people like me.
This is a great way to help those who aren’t very confident with it.
I absolutely love that they’re doing events like this. I might direct my dad to this, he really needs it!
technology seems to be changing by the minute, even I struggle to keep up with it all.
My mummy remembers her Motorola brick that she had when she was sixteen! How times have changed. Sounds like a good service!
It is so true that technology is progressing at such a rapid rate so I love that the Post Office is developing digital drop in sessions to help anyone who wants to get to grips with technology. It will help so many people overcome the technological divide and break it down.
My parents would definately benefit from this. Will be letting them know when I speak to them 🙂
I have to admit some tech stuff blows my mind and i have to ask the teens or my hubby lol this sounds like a fab service for those that need a little extra help x
These drop ins sound like a great idea for those who may need a little extra help!
Sounds like a great idea. The march of new tech is never-ending!
What a brilliant idea and yes it’s kind of crazy how technology has come along in the past twenty years! I don’t think people even had mobiles when I was in school! x
What a great idea. I know my parents can feel a little overwhelmed with new technology at times.
This sounds like a great idea – I am often being phoned by my mum for help
This would be perfect for mine and my husbands Mums, they feel like they are very behind with the times not being able to keep up
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