ALERT FOR PROSPECTIVE BRIGG INTERNET CHAMPIONS

Brigg folk are being asked to make a firm resolution to spread some New Year cheer by becoming Digital Champions and helping others to get online and discover the internet.
The Northern Lincolnshire Broadband project has teamed up with the national campaign ‘Go ON’ to encourage savvy internet users to become Digital Champions.
Digital Champions don’t have to be IT experts, they just need to be able to encourage people who have never used the internet before and help them learn the essential online skills.
More than 27,000 people in North Lincolnshire over the age of 15 still don’t have basic internet skills – yet 90 per cent of all jobs will require ICT skills by 2015.
The basic online skills include:
*    Filling out an application form
*    Sending and receiving emails
*    Browsing the internet and using a search engine
*    Making a booking or a purchase
*    Accessing government services
*    Registering on social websites
*    Keeping safe online – identifying and deleting spam mail, knowing which  websites to trust and setting privacy settings
You could make someone’s New Year by helping them discover new ways of keeping in touch with a loved one by email and Skype, save money through online shopping, find a job and improve skills online and explore their interests on numerous websites.
If you are interested in becoming a Digital Champion, information packs are available from www.northernlincsbroadband.info or you can contact Yvonne Thompson on 01724 296926 or email yvonne.thompson@northlincs.gov.uk 
Coun Neil Poole, cabinet member for Policy and Resources at North Lincolnshire Council, said: “Digital Champions will help any internet beginners discover all the internet has to offer and stamp out the impression that there’s nothing to benefit them. They could help their family, friends or neighbours, a local charity or community organisation."