Click Connect Discover
Why getting online is important
Getting online is important and useful in so many ways:
- Saving money – many items are cheaper online and price comparison websites also help find the best deals.
- Convenience – get shopping delivered to your door, renew car tax online in 5 minutes, make a doctor's appointment* etc.
- Communication – stay in touch with family and meet new people with similar interests.
- Self-esteem - learn a new skill at any age, one that can also be useful for employment.
- Get answers - find ideas and information on just about anything.
- Learn - take online courses, right up to degree level.
- Stay ahead - get news almost instantly, find job adverts as they are posted.
- Be found - if you are looking for a job or just want a voice, you can post your CV online or write your own blog.
- Share - post your photos online so that other people can see them, join forums and websites to discuss the things that interest you, organise a community group or event.
- Additionally, by 2013, the Government's planned Welfare Reform means that the majority of benefit claims will be made using an online form.
Communities 2.0 wants to help get people online and show them how to do so in a safe and secure way.
Albert Lloyd, an ex-miner from Aberfan, explains why getting online is so important.
Albert, 73, started using the internet with the help of the South Merthyr ICT initiative. He regularly visits the Megabytes Internet Cafe to use their computers and to get online.
Communities 2.0 has helped South Merthyr ICT with their digital initiative.
See what Albert says below or watch Albert Lloyd on YouTube (transcript available).
What’s next?:
Help get people online in your community
Help a friend or family member get connected
How to become a Digital Champion
Would you like to arrange a training session for your group, organisation or enterprise?
*not currently available in all areas.
