Digital Inclusion - Digital Friendly York

Digital Friendly York is a partnership of organisations which aims to give residents in York the choice and opportunity to get online and know where to access help when they need it. We want everyone to understand how digital can benefit them, be able to gain the skills they need to make the most of digital, and get connected.

Using a computer in the Library

There are free computers to use in Libraries along with printing and free Wi-Fi. Visit the Explore York website to see the full list of libraries, the services available, opening hours and contact details.

Free Wi-Fi

Access free Wi-fi around the city – Digital York.

View York's map of Wi-Fi connections.

https://cyc.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=089c350ae7744418b96c5e4ff2bdb1ef

IT ReUse - is a project from The Community Furniture Store. It provides laptops, desktops and tablet computers for those most in need. They take donations of IT equipment from the public and companies, and make them useable, free of charge.

You apply through a Community Support Worker. If you are unsure who may be able to refer you, please contact York IT ReUse to find out more.
We at Digital Friendly York have access to free sim cards with free 20GB of data, unlimited texts and calls for 6 months from the National Databank from Good Things Foundation. Good Things Foundation created the National Databank with Virgin Media O2, supported by Vodafone and Three and it works like this:
1. Virgin Media O2, Vodafone and Three regularly donate mobile data SIM cards to Good Things
1. Members of the National Digital Inclusion Network, which is a network of organisations helping people in their communities powered by Good Things, can apply for data packages anytime
1. Members of the National Digital Inclusion Network receive, activate and gift the free mobile data to people experiencing data poverty or living on a low income in their community
1. People experiencing data poverty or living on a low income can pick up a free mobile SIM card from their local National Databank.
People applying for sim cards must be:
- 18+ years old AND from a low income household
- AND/OR has no access or insufficient access to the internet at home
- AND/OR has no or insufficient access to the internet when away from the home
- AND/OR cannot afford their existing monthly contract or top up
- Any organisations/individuals who would benefit from this and meet the criteria contact digital.inclusion@york.gov.uk to request a number of sims as a referral, then you can distribute them to the individual/organisation.

York Learning offers various computing courses, including a basic course if you’re new to computers or looking to build confidence. It starts with the ‘on’ button, then log-in, accessing the internet, and builds from there. Follow-on and more advanced courses are available. Register here for a free, one-to-one assessment with a York Learning tutor, or call 01904 552666 to speak to the flexible learning centre, or to leave a message.
Free, flexible training for your group on using digital devices, apps, being safe online and more.
Designed specifically for any community groups, clubs or organisations.
Community groups can choose from the menu of digital life skills they can do up to three skills at any session lasting 30 minutes a skill for a total of 90 minutes. Multiple sessions covering all the skills are possible! York Learning will bring the technology, the staff and the knowledge – the organisation bring their group.

Examples of the different courses are how to use...
- Google Play Store or Apple App Store to download apps - Find out how to put both free and paid apps on to your smartphone so you can use them effectively
  
  The NHS app - Find out how to book and manage appointments with your GP, check your records, and order repeat prescriptions
  
  The First York bus app - Find out how to look for the next bus or plan a journey from your smartphone
  
  Zoom, FaceTime, Google Meet or Skype to make video calls - Find out how to put both free and paid apps on to your smartphone so you can use them effectively
  
  Google Maps - Learn to use an online live map that gives you live directions like a Satnav. Find destinations either by foot or by car.
  
  Streaming services such as BBC iPlayer or ITVX - Watch your favourite TV programmes on demand via the internet, on multiple platforms or channels.
  
  Spotify - Stream music or podcasts via your smart phone or smart device, with a choice of free or prepaid subscriptions.
  
  Podcast services such as BBC Sounds and Spotify - Listen to episodes of audio programmes or listen back to the radio. Find out how to subscribe to keep up to date.
  
  QR Codes - Use your phone’s camera to access a quick link to more information by scanning a QR code.
  
  Smart devices such as Alexa or Google Home - The possibilities of smart devices are endless – ask them questions, play music or set times using voice commands.
  
  Stay safe online – a beginners guide - The internet is an amazing place full of information, shopping and opportunities. Learn how to stay safe while you browse.
  
  Send photos and other attachments by email - Find out how to attach photos, documents and other files to your emails to share them with friends and family, or send evidence documents to service providers, for example.
  Community groups can do up to 3 at any one sitting and can do as many as they want across multiple sessions. All for free! If you want to make an enquiry please contact York Learning https://book.yorklearning.org.uk/Page/Prospectus_CourseOverview?uio_id=39474
York Explore - offers free sessions and courses to help you get to grips with computers and the internet. Whether you’re looking for help with basics or would like to learn more about email, web searches, social networking or shopping online, there’s a session to suit you. There are also offer free drop-in sessions to introduce you to tablets and e-readers. Access the latest information about what’s on at York Explore.
Learn My Way is a free online learning tool helping people with low or no digital skills to gain confidence and learn how to use the internet. At the heart of the National Digital Inclusion Network, digital skills support is a crucial service to help people safely navigate digital technologies.
AbilityNet supports people of any age, living with any disability or impairment to use technology to achieve their goals at home, at work and in education. They provide specialist advice services, free information resources and help to build a more accessible digital world. Volunteers support people located anywhere in the UK. They are disclosure-checked and can help with all sorts of IT (information technology) challenges, from setting up new equipment, fixing technical issues, showing you how to stay connected to family and use online services. Use the 'Request our help' form; call the helpline on 0800 048 7642 (freephone and minicom) during UK office hours; or email to enquiries@abilitynet.org.uk.
Action for Elders have a range of guides to help you stay safe online and make the most of the internet. There's also a Digital Support Officer to help you with all your tech matters. This includes setting up and using phones, tablets and computers and how to get online and stay connected. You can get in touch with him by telephone on 030 330 30132, or by using the contact form, or by email at digitalsupport@actionforelders.org.uk. He is available to advise and call people without charge.
Age UK provides a Getting Started on the internet page which includes help with: setting up an email; shopping online; using social media and ordering prescriptions online.

Keeping Digital Foundation - Digital Cafes Digital Cafes are popping up across the city of York, providing a space for York residents to get dedicated support in getting online.

Hosted in a 2 hour session, residents can come down for a warm drink and ask any questions they may have (and bring along any devices). Support from getting online, from setting up a smart phone to signing up to the NHS app or York Council website.

No bookings are required and you can stick around for a few minutes, or a few hours, everyone is welcome at the Keeping Digital Foundation Digital Cafes.

For up to date information on what dates the Digital Cafes run please visit Keeping Digital Foundation page.

Digital Inclusion Lab is a project run by Good Organisation, which provides a supportive environment where homeless people with multi-complex needs can acquire a variety of skills and knowledge related to digital systems, encompassing everything from basic foundation level computer literacy to app development, coding and the application of proximity based technology. For more information, please email: mail@goodorganisation.co.uk

Digital Friendly York CoderDojo - Join us at Digital Friendly York CoderDojo! We're a free, open, volunteer-led coding club where young people can explore digital making! A Dojo is a free, volunteer-led, community-based computer club for young people. Anyone aged 7 to 17 can visit a Dojo and learn to code, build a website, or create an app or game. Dojos are a space for young people to explore technology in an informal, creative, safe and social environment. We promote a focus on youth mentoring, and on peer and self-led learning.

Sessions run every fourth Saturday of the month at 10:00 – 11:30am at Our Lady's Catholic Church, Cornlands Road, Acomb YO24 3DX - we'd love to see you at our next session. Whether you'd like to code your first game in Scratch, make a website or design an app, young people can explore digital making on their own terms!

Tickets are free, but must be booked in advance. If you have your own laptop that's great, we also have a limited number of laptops you can borrow if you need. Young people under 13 must have a parent or guardian stay with them. To book please visit our Eventbrite page or email digital.inclusion@york.gov.uk

Digital Friendly York are working with Keeping Digital Foundation to recruit volunteers to help us support sessions to help tackle digital exclusion across the city.

Current Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers are a valued part of the team at Keeping Digital Foundation and they work hard to ensure that their volunteers have a rewarding experience.

As a volunteer, you will receive an induction, training and ongoing support appropriate for your role. From mentors and support teams to fundraising and administration. For more information please download the current volunteer role description and to apply via the Keeping Digital Foundation website.

Explore York Libraries need volunteers to help support their digital sessions. As a digital volunteer you can help people take the first step to getting online and making the most of the web. You don’t need to be an expert and you’ll probably improve your knowledge too. For more information and to apply visit the Explore website.

Give your old devices a second life and help someone in need with IT Reuse. Find out how and where to donate a device.

Links to trusted sites providing information and online learning to help people to stay safe online.

Age UK guide to staying safe online
This Age UK guide covers advice on online shopping, health scams, relationship scams etc

Action Fraud
Action Fraud is the national fraud and cyber crime reporting centre, including an A-Z of online fraud and scams, reporting cyber crime, and a chat function for tailored support.

The UK Safer Internet Centre
A great place to find out how to stay safe online. They have produced lots of useful guides that are child-friendly but useful for all

The National Cyber Security Centre
Advice for information and families including straight forward advice on common cyber problems like being hacked, receiving suspicious emails, and malware, how to ensure devices are secure, and safe use of social media.

Broadband Savvy is a website that helps you get online, and get the most from your home broadband. They have guides on topics such as how to set up a broadband connection, what different terms such as Wi-Fi and bandwidth mean, and how to improve your broadband speeds at home:

Guide to improving your download and upload speeds at home.

Guide to help understand what broadband speed you need and helping you avoid paying too much for broadband.