Training and resources
Go ON NI works in partnership with other organisations to provide free digital training and events. This page has a list of the organisations involved, what they offer and contact details for more information.
Activities for older people and children
Age NI, with the support of the Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland, is offering a ‘Check in and chat’ telephone service for everyone who is over 60 in Northern Ireland, who may feel isolated or lonely during this time.
- Check in and chat
- Free telephone advice service: 0808 808 7575
Health information and support networks
The Public Health Agency publishes daily updates on Coronvirus infection numbers and gives helpful, practical advice on how to prevent it spreading.
Helplines NI has more than 30 different helplines that have a variety of support services. These include information, advice, counselling, a listening ear and befriending.
The Supporting Communities website is for local community groups to find out about what is available in each area and where to go for local information. Their latest Ezine includes feedback from a member survey highlighting responses of local community groups as well as some challenges they face in responding to Covid 19.
Consumer Council NI has information if you have been affected by disrupted travel plans, personal finance problems or purchasing goods. It also has a list of helplines and more.
CommunityNI is a website for promoting the work and sharing the information of the voluntary and community sector, as well as for those who have products or services to offer the sector.
The site allows users to create content and contribute articles on behalf of their organisation or as individuals. CommunityNI is developed and managed by NICVA as a service to the voluntary and community sector.
Calm Together has advice on meditations, sleep stories, movement exercises, journals, mindfulness resources and music.
Libraries NI
COVID-19 update - For the latest information visit the Libraries NI website
There are more than 90 libraries in Northern Ireland and they’re free to join. Library members can benefit from the following free IT training programmes and facilities:
- wifi in all libraries
- computer use and internet access
- GOT IT programme
- Computer courses
- e-books and online magazines
- talking books on CD, big key keyboards and large tracker balls for people with visual impairments
- Libraries NI contact page
Supporting Communities
Supporting Communities provides free digital training to community groups across Northern Ireland. Additional chargeable training is available to Housing Associations, Councils and other voluntary groups. They offer:
- one to one practical training
- short skill-based training and awareness sessions
- accredited courses
- tailor made packages
- a Digital Champion programme
- Digital inclusion – Supporting Communities website
- telephone: 028 2564 5676
- email: info@supportingcommunities.org
Business in the Community (BITC)
BITC links businesses with the voluntary sector and local communities to provide support and encourage local engagement. They can provide volunteers for IT events or IT related training sessions and can either assist the trainer or provide one-to-one support.
- telephone: 028 9046 0606
- email: info@bitcni.org.uk
- BITC website
Linking Generations NI (LGNI)
LGNI offers a range of free services, advice and guidance including projects, training and event support. LGNI leads the The Digital Age Project which:
- supports the use of technology as a way of linking generations
- promotes digital and social inclusion of older people through various IT programmes
These programmes show how technology can:
- enhance lives through improved communication
- provide access to information and services - hobbies and interests to reduce social isolation and promote a better quality of life
- new resources including, connecting through reading, activities and pots of kindness
The Digital Age Toolkit also has learner cards to “enhance your life online” - learn yourself to teach someone else how to access information, shop online, keep in touch via email and social media, make better use of finances and pursue hobbies and interest.
- telephone: 028 9181 3022
- email: info@lgni.org.uk
- LGNI website
- Digital Age Toolkit
Advice NI
Advice NI offers IT training and information sessions to organisations . For information on Digital Skills courses you can sign up to the E-News letter on the Advice NI website.
RNIB (Royal National Institute for Blind People)
The Technology for Life service in RNIB is offering remote technology support by phone, email or its online technology support request form.
RNIB's helpline is available from Monday to Friday 9.00 am to 5.00 pm for anyone with sight loss or if you are supporting someone with sight loss for advice, information and tech support/troubleshooting:
- helpline: 0303 123 9999 or say 'Alexa, call RNIB Helpline' on Alexa-enabled devices
- email: tfl@rnib.org.uk
- technology support request form
To support other partner/customers the RNIB has put together a guide of Accessible options for video calling.
Public Record Office of Northern Ireland
Research your family tree and local history online:
Digital Unite
Digital Unite online guides cover topics such as computer basics, creating documents, email and Skype, using the internet, hobbies and interests, music and audio, smartphones and tablets, social networking, digital photography, internet security, shopping and banking .
Learn My Way
The Tinder Foundation’s Learn My Way website is built to make getting online easy. Courses are designed to help people follow a logical path in developing their digital skills.