streetlife.com, the local social network, is supporting Digital Unite’s campaign to help tackle digital exclusion through local community events.
Following the success of last year’s Spring Online campaign, Streetlife is once again encouraging local people to help others to achieve a lasting use of the internet.
Over seven million people in Britain have never used the internet, and of those, around six million are aged over 55 years. Developing digital skills can make a huge difference to the lives of those who are isolated or less mobile, from shopping online and finding new interests, to keeping in touch with distant relatives and making new connections locally.
Spring Online is an award-winning nationwide campaign run by Digital Unite. Now in its 13th year, the campaign has helped tens of thousands of people who aren’t online to engage with digital technology – many for the first time.
From 31 March to 4 April 2014, thousands of free taster sessions run by local volunteers, and held in homes, coffee shops, libraries and community centres, will introduce people to basic computer, tablet and internet skills.
Nina Whittaker, Head of Communities at Streetlife, explains that the campaign is a natural fit for the local social network: “Streetlife is all about encouraging local communities to come together and use digital technology for good – from sharing crime alerts and returning lost pets, to saving local libraries and supporting community events. That makes it the perfect platform for gathering volunteers for a Spring Online taster session, and keeping in touch with local learners once they're online. And friendly support from people close by can make all the difference to nervous digital novices.”
Dick Stroud, Acting Managing Director for Digital Unite said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Streetlife back as our exclusive media partner for this year’s Spring Online campaign. Last year the Streetlife community were vociferous in their support for helping local people to get online. With their involvement we know that this year we can help to inspire many more people to enjoy the life-changing benefits of digital technology that the rest of us take for granted.”
Find out more about Spring Online at digitalunite.com/spring-online and to discuss an event with members of the local community, sign up to streetlife.com.