Support with digital and technology

With the increase in the use of digital technology to gain access to information and services, there is support available for those that need it. Please find links below to support sessions that are easily accessible within our communities.

Lincs Digital are a local charity based from Horncastle in the East Lindsey District of Lincolnshire. That are proud to provide community-based Learning at local venues with sessions developed to meet individual needs.

This service offers drop-in sessions to help you with devices, accessing services online or any other digital query (including being ‘assisted’ if you choose not to go online).

For more information visit Lincs Digital or find a full list of events, locations and to book a place on Events | Lincs Digital

Digital Inclusion sessions and information are referenced upon these dedicated local authority webpages also

https://www.boston.gov.uk/DigitalInclusion

https://www.sholland.gov.uk/DigitalInclusion

https://www.e-lindsey.gov.uk/DigitalInclusion

Lincolnshire Libraries offer a welcoming, safe space with free access to computers, the internet and a wealth of physical and digital books, information and resources to anyone who lives, works or studies in the county. In Lincolnshire there are 15 core library sites, 34 community hubs offering universal services and a rural service.

With the increase in the use of digital technology to gain access to information and services, many of the libraries in Lincolnshire offer free IT support sessions, provided by Skills 365. From printing to accessing information online, get all of your computer questions answered at one of the community IT sessions.

If you are interested in finding out more or joining a session, please call 01522 782010 or speak to a member of staff at your chosen library.

Boston Library - IT Help – Every Wednesday, 10am-12noon Book a 1:1 session from how to use tablet to how to send an email and more! Call 01522 782010 to book a place.
Gainsborough Library - IT Help – Every Monday and Tuesday, 10.00am – 1pm Get help with anything IT; from how to use tablets to how to send an email and more! Booking is not required but is advisable. Also free 365 Skills events are available for details visit Providers | Lincolnshire (connecttosupport.org)
Grantham Library - IT Help – Every Monday, 2pm – 4pm Get help with anything IT; from how to use tablets to how to send an email and more! Booking is not required but is advisable.
Lincoln Library - Learn My Way - Every Friday, 2pm – 3pm Digital literacy tutorials for online skill beginners, learning at their pace with easy resources. Booking is essential, contact lincoln_library@gll.org to book or phone 01522 782010
Louth Library - Learn My - Every Wednesday, 2pm – 3pm Digital literacy tutorials for online skill beginners, learning at their pace with easy resources. Booking is not required but is advisable.
Mablethorpe Library - IT Help - Every Thursday, 10.00am - noon Get help with anything IT; from how to use tablets to how to send an email and more! Booking is not required but is advisable.
Market Rasen Library - IT Help - Every Wednesday and Friday 2.30pm – 4.30pm Get help with anything IT; from how to use tablets to how to send an email and more! Booking is not required but is advisable.
Sleaford Library - IT Help - Every Tuesday and Thursday, 2.00pm-3.00pm Get help with anything IT; from how to use tablets to how to send an email and more! Booking is essential; speak to a member of staff, email Sleaford.library@gll.org or phone 01522 782010.
Spalding Library - IT Help - Every Thursday, 2.00pm - 3.00pm Get help with anything IT; from how to use tablets to how to send an email and more! Booking is essential, please contact Spalding.library@gll.org or phone 01522 782010 to book your place.
Stamford Library - IT Help – Every Wednesday, 2pm – 4pm Get help with anything IT; from how to use tablets to how to send an email and more! Booking is not required but is advisable.
Woodhall Spa Library - IT Buddy, Every Tuesday 10.30am -12.30pm Gain one-on-one tech assistance and advice from a buddy, making technology more accessible and less intimidating. Book with staff or via woodhall_spa.library@gll.org

A timetable of upcoming events at Lincolnshire Libraries can be found by visiting the website here Lincolnshire Library

For further services Lincolnshire Libraries can offer visit the Connect to Support Lincolnshire Library Services page

Age UK Lincoln and South Lincolnshire – Digital Champions

A free service tailored to your needs.

The Digital Champions project aims to provide local older people with the technology, skills, and confidence to be able to use devices (such as tablets, smartphones, and computers), to browse the internet and get the most from digital services.

Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to brush up your skills, our Digital Champions are here to help!

AgeUK offer computer training classes that explain things clearly and in plain English to help get you online.

The classes offer easy-to-follow training with the aim that as many people as possible enjoy the advantages of computers and the internet.

Computer Classes

These sessions are for one hour and help clients with most devices. The cost is £5 per hour and must be pre-booked by phoning Age UK Park Street reception on 0345 556 4144.

Age UK Lincoln & South Lincolnshire, 36 Park Street, Lincoln, LN1 1UQ.

Tuesdays, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm and Wednesday 10am, 11am and 12 noon.

Age UK Charity Shop 36 Strait bargate, Boston PE21 6LJ

Alternate Fridays 10am, 11am and 12 noon.

For more information on classes within Lincoln and South Lincolnshire you can visit Age UK LSL

The Keep Connected Service is available to help anyone over fifty living in East Lindsey, West Lindsey or North Lincolnshire who is at risk of social isolation or exclusion due to lack of digital resources. Visit Age UK Lindsey for more details.

To discover what other help might be available, visit the national Age UK website to find your nearest Age UK offering IT Training.

Tablet Loan Service

Are you interested in exploring what the internet has to offer but don’t have the technology to do so? Let us help you achieve this.

We can loan you a device and internet connection for 6–8 weeks along with support from a Digital Champion to help you make the most of the internet, learn new skills, and gain confidence. This free service will be tailored to support your needs.

To find out more, or to ask for help, please phone 03455 564 144 and ask about the Digital Champions Service.

NKDC offer free digital hubs across the region to support members of the public get online.

For more information and to find your nearest hub visit the NKDC website

Online Centres Network is made up of over 5,000 grassroot organisations, all working to tackle digital and social exclusion by providing people with the skills and confidence they need to access digital technology.

For more information and to find your nearest centre, visit the Online Centres Network website

Learn My Way is a website of free online learning for beginners created by the Good Things Foundation. The platform has over 100 free bite-sized topics, covering basics of using a touch screen to using technology for social and financial inclusion.

You can access it by visiting the Learn My Way website - www.learnmyway.com.

AbilityNet's Tech volunteers provide free IT support to older people and disabled people of any age, anywhere in the UK. Tech volunteers can help with all sorts of IT challenges, from setting up new equipment, fixing technical issues, showing you how to stay connected to family, using online services and much more.

For more information, visit the AbilityNet website.

Wavelength

Wavelength gives radios, televisions, and tablet computers to those in need across the UK. This Wavelength support those who are lonely because of age, poor physical or mental health, who are isolated or by circumstances which make it hard for them to leave their home.

For more information visit the Wavelength website.

Get Online @ Home

Get Online @ Home is an initiative run by Computer Recyclers UK who provide low cost refurbished computers, and they work in partnership with Currys who help you compare the best broadband packages in your area and can help find the right deal for your home.

For more information visit the Get Online @ Home website.

Tech4Families from Digital Poverty Alliance

The Digital Poverty Alliance work with Currys to help families (with children aged 4-16) get online by providing them with a laptop where they do not currently have a device. This scheme is currently available to families that live in: East Lindsey, Boston Borough, South Holland, North Lincolnshire, and North East Lincolnshire.

For more information visit the Digital Poverty Alliance Website.

Friends of the Elderly – Digital Connection Grant

Friends of the Elderly has a grant campaign that helps older people with low income get online and stay connected and can be used towards the cost of equipment such as tablets and smartphones as well as broadband and data costs.

For more information visit the Friends of the Elderly website.

Social Tariffs

Social tariffs are available to those claiming Universal Credit, Pension Credit and some other benefits. Find out more on the Cost of Living Support page.