A County Durham charity is preparing to launch a new programme to help improve digital skills within the community.

In an increasingly digital world, it is getting harder to navigate technology and keep up to date with changes. Consett-based charity, Building-Self Belief are hoping to bridge the gap by launching digital skills sessions to help benefit the community in building confidence online.

The sessions will include workshops on how to use and access emails through mobile phones, help with setting up and using social media accounts like Facebook and X (formerly known as Twitter), as well as using online banking, NHS apps, podcasting and other entertainment apps.

Delivered with funding support from the County Durham Community Foundation, the programme will see young volunteers supporting those attending the session to work on any areas of digital literacy or help with any practical uses of their technology that they may need.

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With many in the North East living in the bottom 1% - 20% on the government’s National Index of Multiple Deprivation, their core aim is to strengthen local communities by building self-belief in targeted groups in socio-economically deprived areas of the North East.

Building Self Belief Chief Executive Christine Thomas highlighted that many community groups and organisations operate through social media such as Facebook, so supporting members of the community in becoming more digitally active helps them to be included and have their say.

The Digital Inclusion Programme will be held in the heart of Consett at the old ambulance hall on St. Johns Street, DH8 5LA.

Running every other Thursday from 10am to 12 midday, beginning January 11 until May 16 2024.

For more information go to the website Building Self Belief or find them on X & Facebook - @BSBCIO