Barnet Council is proud to support Get Online Week 2021, which is launched today by Good Things Foundation, to inspire more people to access the internet and become better connected.
Get Online Week
The last 18 months have taught us just how important being online can be in terms of social interactivity and keeping in touch with friends and loved ones. For many of us, being able to access services online is a given, however, there are still people across Barnet who do not have the skills to do so. A lack of digital skills can have huge negative impacts, including poorer health and well-being, social isolation, and less access to jobs and education.
Barnet Council is prioritising digitally excluded areas and is working with a number of internet providers to ensure that every council home in the borough has access to high-speed fibre broadband by 2025. Find out more about Barnet’s Gigabit Broadband programme at www.barnet.gov.uk/broadband.
Cllr Dan Thomas, Leader of Barnet Council, said: “We’re taking a community approach to tackle digital inclusion across Barnet, working with local employment services, education and health care providers, to reach more of our residents who may lack the confidence or connectivity to get online.
“Our investment in fibre broadband networks across the borough ensures that our residents can benefit from highspeed internet connections. Having a reliable and affordable highspeed network will ensure that Barnet will continue to be a great place to live, work and study.”
To celebrate the week, BOOST, Barnet Council’s skills and employability service, will give people across the borough the opportunity to become digital champions. The aim is to equip people with the necessary digital skills to be able to support other people in their community. Anyone can join and no specialist IT skills are necessary.
Follow @Boostbarnet on social media to find out what’s happening in your local area for Get Online Week, or visit: https://boostbarnet.org/?page_id=292.