South Shields residents get online

South Shields residents get a lesson in saving money online

Hundreds of first time internet users are to get a lesson in saving money online thanks to a new UK online centre opens in South Shields.

National affordable housing provider Affinity Sutton, which has more than 900 properties in South Tyneside, opened a new Community Hub on Wednesday 26 October from 2.30-6pm.

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

Visitors can learn 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. Many of  which will be joining in the days events and taking part in a photocall.

The refurbishment is part of Affinity Sutton’s national community hub programme which is part of a wider network of hubs across the country all receiving significant investment from Affinity Sutton.

Scott McKinven, Financial Inclusion Manager for Affinity Sutton, 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 joined staff and residents to 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.