We are working with Balfour Beatty, Mid Sussex District Council and Citizens Online to improve access to technology, information and contribute toward the general wellbeing of Mid Sussex residents. The signposting service on this webpage is designed to help residents find sources of practical support, training and guidance to aid access to digital services and information. You can read our Press Release here.
The Digital Support Service for library customers can help those who are struggling to get to grips with online services or who could benefit from some basic digital support. Library Digital Volunteers can offer support for basic digital enquiries, such as:
- General internet searching
- Using email
- Using a device to connect with others including video conferencing
- Staying Safe Online
You can contact the Library Digital Support Team to arrange for a volunteer to help you by phoning 0330 222 3455 or emailing library.digital.support@westsussex.gov.uk, from Monday to Friday, 10am-4pm.
Do you need help to get started using technology?
Do you want to build your confidence to do more online?
If so, please call 0808 196 5883 and leave a message.
One of Citizens Online’s trained Digital Champions will call you back and offer friendly, patient support over the phone.
Learn My Way
For courses on how to get online and use the internet safely, using video calling (incl. Zoom), online shopping and using social networks such as Facebook – click here.
Age UK
For step-by-step guides to help you make sense of the internet, if you are already online but want to boost your confidence – click here.
Keep up-to-date with information from West Sussex County Council:
- Sign up for monthly Staying Safe Online e-newsletter
- Follow @WSxSafeOnline on Twitter and Facebook for regular top tips
- Find free webinars and events
- Visit your local library to pick up a free Get Safe Online leaflet
eLibrary
Join West Sussex Libraries online – You will receive email confirmation of your membership the next working day and will then be able to access the eLibrary to choose eBooks, eMagazines, eAudiobooks, eComics, eNewspapers – or go for all of them!
eInformation: Online Reference Library
You can search the Online Reference Library to find free, quality information sources and borrow eBooks, eNewspapers, eMagazines, eComics and more.
Learning at Home? Need help with homework?
The BBC has put together an extensive range of lessons for 3-16 year olds. The lessons are full of videos, quizzes and practice activities to help you with home learning. When you join a library, you can use the eInformation resources free on your computer, tablet or smart phone, 24/7:
- Primary Lessons for 3-11
- Secondary for 11-16
- Post 16 Functional Skills
Citizens Advice in West Sussex offers Money Advice Service and can also help with coronavirus, benefits, Universal Credit, debt and money, housing, other legal issues, employment, EU settlement scheme, paying energy and utility bills, and give other advice.
Free help with laptops, tablets and smartphones in Burgess Hill.
Find us every Thursday in the Spire Cafe behind St John’s Church in Burgess Hill between 10:00am and 1:00pm.
Now also at The Bentswood @ No 34, America Lane, Haywards Heath on the first Friday of the month from 10:00 – 12:30
and
The Repair Cafe in The Age Concern Centre, Dale Ave, Hassocks on the fourth Saturday of the month from 9:30 – 11:30.
spire.computer.help@gmail.com
https://spirecomputerhelp.co.uk/
Use Digital Unite’s NHS App and NHS websites to manage your health online.
Learn and improve your English online using British Council’s high-quality resources. They have free courses available.
Access translated guides to using Zoom.
As more children and young people start to spend money online through gaming and social media platforms Internet Matters have created a guide to help parents and carers equip them with the skills they need to do this smartly and safely.
Friends Against Scams is a National Trading Standards Scams Team initiative which aims to protect and prevent people from becoming victims of scams by empowering people to take a stand against scams.
Age Space helps older people to stay safe online.
Virgin Media has launched a new broadband tariff for households on Universal Credit – from as little as £12.50 a month. Virgin Media Essential Broadband Pack is a broadband-only service offered to customers receiving Universal Credit to make sure they can get online and stay connected at a low cost.
The network’s new Essentials Broadband Plan is available to those facing financial difficulty – including families who are struggling in the wake of the pandemic.
• Available to those who receive Universal Credit
• Always at £15 a month, if you’re eligible
• Your price won’t change while you’re receiving Universal Credit payments
• 30-day rolling contract – so you can change your mind anytime
• This is a broadband-only package available to current Virgin Media customers – if you currently have a package which includes TV and a phone line these services will be disconnected.
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Openreach will install broadband for free to UK households on Universal Credit.
- Wavelength supply technology to lonely people living in poverty
- Friends of the Elderly provide small individual grants for vulnerable older people who are most in need (referral needed)
- RNIB awards grants to registered blind or partially sighted people for useful technology that can help them live independently.
- Barchester’s Charitable Foundation offers grants for people aged 65+, 18+ with a physical or learning disability or 18+ with mental health problems. Their funding focus is about connecting or re-connecting people with others in their local community. They support applications that combat loneliness and enable people to be active and engaged. Referral needed.
- Increasing data allowances on mobile devices to support disadvantaged children. This scheme temporarily increases data allowances for mobile phone users on certain networks.
Computers for Kids aim to close the un-equality gap and enable children to access online learning and to stay connected. To help them, you can:
- donate your old and unwanted tablets and laptops
- buy an items from their Wish List, or
- volunteer with them
