Launch of three-year project to help Bristol people get online and become 'digitally included'

A new three-year initiative to help Bristol people access the internet,
learn new skills and find out more about computers and technology is
to be launched later this month (24th January).

The Get IT Together project in Bristol is funded by BT, supported by
Bristol Council and delivered by national charity Citizens Online. The
project is part of the nationwide Get IT Together programme, backed by
BT, Nominet Trust and a variety of local partners.

Get IT Together Project Coordinator, Marius Jennings, will be working
in partnership with local charities, libraries, schools and community
groups to make sure basic IT courses are available across the city,
particularly focusing on helping older people and people with
disabilities.

Marius is hosting a launch event at The Pavilion, 12A Harbourside,
Bristol from 10:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday 24th January. The
event is open to all community groups in Bristol, as well as any
individuals who would like to discover the benefits of the internet
and
IT, particularly people aged over 55+ who may not have had opportunity
to become computer literate.  Visitors will be able to take part in a
relaxed, free taster Internet session, enjoy a cup of tea or coffee
and find out about other projects in the area.

Council leader Barbara Janke says: "Bristol City Council has taken a
strong lead in helping as many people as possible to get online by
providing free wifi hot spots in public places and recycling computers
and making them available to people who can't afford their own.
Training is also a key part of the package. We know how invaluable it can be,
particularly for older people, to be able to use the internet to
contact friends, research information and prices, apply for jobs or to pay
bills.  The internet can save money and time and open up many
opportunities."

Community groups including Wecil, The Vassall Centre, Link Age, Age UK
Bristol, Bristol Older Peoples Forum, Action for Blind People, CSV
Avon, and Slivers of Time, will be attending the event to find out how the
Get It Together project can help their members become more digitally
savvy.

Anyone else interested in attending should contact Marius on
marius.jennings@citizensonline.org.uk or 07785 462568.
All attendees will have the chance to be entered into a prize draw to
win a Kindle.