Web help is at hand with digital campaign

The Scottish Government has launched Let’s Get On, supported by libraries, clubs and community organisations across the country offering classes and support groups for those feeling less than savvy with surfing the net.

Cultural secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “Recent statistics show almost 20 per cent of the population in Scotland are still not using the internet and so missing out on its benefits.

“Whether you want to get a job, catch up on the latest football fixtures, find the best deals or get connected with friends and family, getting online can help and is easier than you think.”

Southside services include free Getting Started courses at Pollokshields, Langside and Pollokshaws libraries, covering switching on the computer to basic word processing, internet searches and sending emails.

In East Renfrewshire, Clarkston and Mearns libraries offer free getting started with email and with the internet courses, as well as an iPad basics workshop at the Newton Mearns centre.

Glasgow girl Jane McDougall (24) is supporting the campaign, having joined a digital class to increase her chances on the job hunt — she is now completing an SQA PC Passport in word processing.

Jane commented: “I wasn’t too good with word processing, emailing people or being able to attach letters and CVs.

“The course has really helped my confidence, and I’ve helped everybody else in the class to log on or look online.”

To find out more about local courses, call 0800 77 1234 or visit www.letsgeton.org.