Surrey helps thousands of internet novices get online

Thousands of internet novices have got online thanks to Surrey County Council.

Latest figures show Surrey’s libraries staff have helped people who are new to using the internet or digital technology 93,000 times*.

Deputy leader Peter Martin

The efforts to get people using the web are part of a digital inclusion drive that has also seen plans put in place to ensure everyone in Surrey can get superfast broadband within two years.

The council is about to pick a company to provide access to a high-quality service to the estimated 100,000 premises in the county not included in current national plans.

In 2010, the council pledged to help people use the internet in support of a national project to promote the benefits of the web. Surrey was one of the first local authorities to sign up to Race Online 2012.

Led by the UK’s Digital Champion Martha Lane Fox, the Race Online campaign helped 1.8 million people, including the socially and economically disadvantaged, use the internet after its 2009 launch.

Surrey County Council’s deputy leader Peter Martin said: “The way libraries are being used is changing with the progress of technology and our staff have done an excellent job in helping thousands of beginners use the internet.

“Elderly and disabled people and those on low incomes are much more likely not to have access to the internet and stopping sections of society being left offline and excluded from many aspects of everyday life is essential.

“The web opens up new opportunities to access jobs, training, education and services as well as reducing isolation through the likes of Skype and Facebook so people can stay independent for longer.”

Ends

* People were helped more than once. Sessions at the county’s libraries include finding information using the web, assistance with email, help with the e-book service, which allows titles to be downloaded on the go, and searching or applying for jobs.