South Shields residents get online!

South Shields residents get a lesson in saving money online

Dozens of first time internet users got a lesson in saving money online when a new UK online centre opened in South Shields.

The new £54,000 centre was opened by  Deputy Mayor Councillor Eileen Leask, joined by the deputy mayoress Councillor Olive Punchion, and will provide IT, employment and training programmes for people living in the Tyne Dock area.

On the day visitors learnt how to do their shopping online, carry out job searches and manage their money better at special drop in taster sessions.

Research indicates that access to the internet amongst Affinity Sutton residents in Tyne Dock is 32.3% compared to 70% nationally.

To combat this, the centre has already trained 41 Digital Champions, aged between 21 and 63,  within the local community who can then continue to work across South Shields showing people how they can use the internet to help them in their day to day lives.

Scott McKinven, Financial Inclusion Manager, said:  “We hope that the new centre will become a real ‘hub’ of the community.  Our approach will create a model of training and support which will enable and empower local motivated individuals to mentor others.

"We want the facility to be well used by all ages for a wide range of activities for a long time to come – everything from showing people how to save money by being online, to helping people get back into work through CV workshops to IT courses.”

Local partners have been invited to help celebrate the hub’s grand opening including   - Bliss Abilty, South Tyneside Ten, Action stations and Groundworks to name just a few along with local businesses such as Asda and Mecca.