Sue Gray, Permanent Secretary at the Department of Finance, today launched Get Online Week 2018 during a visit to a digital training session at Ballyhackamore Library.
![](https://www.finance-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/styles/inline-expandable/public/images/dfp/news/Ballyhack%20Library%2012.jpg?itok=8PEj2SDG×tamp=1537266048)
Get Online Week will take place from 15th – 21st October 2018 with a range of events across Northern Ireland providing free digital training sessions for people. Sessions are happening across Northern Ireland in a range of locations including Antrim, Belfast, Derry-Londonderry, Newry, Enniskillen, Strabane and Lurgan.
During the visit Sue Gray said: “Get Online Week 2018 will provide people with a practical opportunity to get online for the first time or to enhance and improve their existing skills.
“Listening to some of the people at the session they all had different reasons for attending but a common goal, to be more digitally active.
“We live in a world where so many elements of our daily life require digital skills, and we must ensure no-one feels excluded or left behind. I would encourage anyone who thinks they may benefit from the range of courses taking place during Get Online Week to give it a go.”
All events are free, informal and must be booked in advance. They will provide one-to-one training with hand out training resources to take home to continue the learning. The events will cover topics such as: Email and web, Apps, social media including Facebook, online shopping, online security and online Banking.
Michelle Armstrong who participated last year said: “I highly recommend anyone who needs some help to get online to sign up for the digital courses during Get Online Week. I did and my IT skills and knowledge of the web have improved plus the courses are informal which makes the learning fun.”
Libraries NI Director of Library Services Helen Osborn said: “Libraries NI is delighted to host the launch of Get Online Week 2018. All libraries offer free use of computers and free Wi-Fi as well as training sessions during Get Online Week which is the perfect opportunity to showcase these services and help more people get online.”
Get Online Week is organised by the Department of Finance, in partnership with several organisations including LibrariesNI, Business in the Community, Belfast City Council, Antrim and Newtownabbey Council, Ards and North Down Council, the Department for Communities and Barclays Digital Eagles.
For more information on all the event locations and times visit www.nidirect.gov.uk/go-on-ni or telephone the Department of Finance’s Digital Team on 028 90254 741.
Notes to editors:
- Go ON NI is run by the Digital Inclusion Unit, Enterprise Shared Services (ESS) within DoF to increase digital skills amongst digitally excluded sections of the population.
- Media enquiries only to DoF Press Office on 028 9081 6895/028 9081 6727 or email dof.pressoffice@finance-ni.gov.uk. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer on 028 9037 8110 and your call will be returned.
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