LEWISHAM BASED

• Catbytes – Email info@catbytes.community or Tel Damian on 0793 9288 079. Keep updated by checking their website: https://www.catbytes.community/Dropin/AllDropins Local community project. Provide equipment and help getting online in social groups and 1-1 including at home when permitted. You can attend one of their ‘Techy Teas’ free drop ins at the following places:

• Good Gym – Help people age 60+ set up online food shopping ordering etc. This can be accessed through referrals via Community Connections.

• Adult Learning Lewisham – Beginner computer classes (Granville Park, Brockley Rise, & Grove Park); How to use your digital device; Communicating with computers.

• Housing providers – Lewisham Homes, Phoenix and Clarion provide training for their residents.

• Corbett Community Library – 103 Torridon Road, Catford. SE6 1RQ  Provide a friendly face-to-face service for clients who have difficulty with online forms, services and emails. They can help with transport applications and benefits. Free one-hour appointments are available Monday and Thursdays 10-1pm. Please book your appointment in person or by telephoning 020 8378 5358. You can also email them at info@corbettcommunity.org.uk 

• Corbett Community Library – An introductory 6-week program designed to help you learn how to use a laptop, tablet, iPad or smartphone to access the internet for the first time or to brush up on some of the basics. Digital Awareness is for all ages and designed to give group support to people wanting to develop their digital skills, feel safer online and have fun! The classes are run at the library. You can bring in your own device or use one of our laptops/PCs. Classes are FREE and take place on the second and fourth Saturday of each month at 11am – 12 noon. Interested in joining? get in touch or simply drop-in! 

• Caribbean Social Forum – IT support provided to over 50’s. 41 Woolwich New Road, SE18 6EU Telephone 084 4357 3700

• 999 Club – Get the most out of your phones, tablets or laptops with their knowledgeable team. Whether you are a complete beginner or just need to freshen up your skills, they offer IT and tech support. Wednesdays from 11am. Call 020 8694 5797 to book this free IT support group. 21 Deptford Broadway, SE8 4PA.

• Action for Community Development –Improve your IT skills, meet new people and eat some biscuits. Offer both basic and accredited job-related Computer/IT training. Focused on helping people acquire the skills to use a computer, internet, social media, online banking, online job hunting and online shopping. Find out more: org/docklands-training-centre-dtc/ 02086922277/ Address: Docklands Training Centre, 9 Deptford Church Street, SE8 4RX

• New Cross Learning – Provide free computer/internet use, WIFI and many more library services. Every Saturday – IT help with James and Nav from 10:30am to 4:pm – no appointment necessary! Every Wednesday – C.V writing and Basic I.T Skills with Sezin from 11:30am to 2:30pm! Website: newxlearning.org Address: 283-285 New Cross Rd, SE14 6AS Tel: 02084690532  

NATIONAL

• AbilityNet – AbilityNet’s Tech volunteers provide free IT support to older people and disabled people of any age, anywhere in the UK. Every volunteer is disclosure-checked and can help with all sorts of IT (information technology) challenges, from setting up new equipment, fixing technical issues, showing you how to stay connected to family, using online services and much more. They can come to you in the comfort of your own home or assist remotely to help you overcome any challenges you are facing in the digital world.

You can request support by:

• • https://abilitynet.org.uk/at-home/request-free-it-support-home
  • 0800 048 7642 (Freephone and Minicom) during UK office hours
  • enquiries@abilitynet.org.uk

• April – Free online tech support services dedicated to helping people get the most out of their everyday technology. They have online guides that cover everything from using WhatsApp to connecting your phone to Wi-Fi and social media i.e., Instagram. https://myapril.co.uk/

• Wavelength – Wavelength gives media technology such as radios, televisions, and tablet computers, free of charge, to people who are lonely and can’t afford to buy the technology themselves. They do not provideInternet, broadband, laptops or computers. info@wavelength.org.uk   0800 018 2137/ https://wavelength.org.uk/

ONLINE

• Learn My Way (Good Things Foundation) – A website of free online courses, helping people develop digital skills to make the most of the online world. Co-design free online learning resources to help people take their first and further steps online. There are over 30 free courses on ‘Learn My Way’ ranging from using a keyboard to support with how to claim Universal Credit. https://www.learnmyway.com/

Please note that our team update these factsheets on a quarterly basis. If you would like to suggest any updates, corrections or comments then please contact us at CommunityConnections@ageuklands.org.uk

Date of last update: 19th May 2023