Going online – and staying safe

A DIGITAL safety session was held at Warrington Central Library as part of a national initiative to get more people online.
The 45-minute session was hosted by a member of the Barclays “Digital Eagles” team, targeting people of all ages and providing information about to stay safe online while shopping, banking or browsing.
Those attending the free session included 78-year-old Donald MacKenize, from Penketh who explained that it had made a real difference to his digital awareness.
He said: “The session has given me more confidence in using online banking. Some of the online scams are frightening and having a banking professional explain these scams and highlight ways I can stay safe is great.”
Library service provider LiveWire has been working with Barclays since last summer to provide free hands-on digital support for members of the community at libraries across Warrington.
Specially trained members of Barclays’ staff have been providing technology advice to help local people build confidence and develop the skills they need to succeed in the digital world.
The Barclays Digital Eagles programme is a scheme that runs nationwide to help improve digital inclusion across the country.
The banking giant has now turned more than 12,000 of its UK staff
into digital advocates who volunteer their time to deliver digital sessions in the community.
A spokesman said: “In the UK some 12 per cent of the adult population have never been online and this increases to 61 per cent for those over 75 years old. With so many opportunities from education, interacting
with friends, job opportunities and access to government and health services all available online, it has never been more important for members of our community to start their digital journey. “
LiveWire is also working with Barclays and the Tinder Foundation to provide access to the “Learn My Way” online programme at all of its libraries. The website provides a free online course for beginners to help them to develop digital skills to make the most of the online world.
Tina Redford, LiveWire’s strategic lead for libraries and learning, said:
“It’s fantastic to be working with Barclays to deliver these free digital sessions for residents in Warrington.
“LiveWire libraries provide free internet access and expert digital support for members of the community that will open up opportunities that being online has to offer.”
To access the Learn My Way programme, visit: http://www.learnmyway.com/