Help with computers and the internet

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Help with computers and the internet

Free courses available

UK Online centres

Getting online simply means you're using the internet and there are a million reasons for doing it. Knowing how to use a computer and the internet can help make life a lot easier by saving you time, money and hassle.

Whether you're looking to get online for a new job, to help kids with their homework, to stay in touch with family and friends or to do your weekly shop, UK Online Centres and Learn My Way can help you gain the skills and confidence you'll need to get started.

You'll find a range of free and easy to use courses, from starting with a keyboard and mouse, to email, understanding shopping online and much more.

UK Online Centres are a nationwide network created to support people to get online. Support from staff or volunteers is free and no previous knowledge or experience is necessary. We're here to help.

Our Employment Links centre, all of our libraries and some community centres are classed as UK Online centres and offer you a range of basic IT courses.

Find your nearest UK Online Centre

Learn My Way

Learn My Way - courses covering online skills, skills for job applicants, managing your money, staying healthy and much more.

ALISON

ALISON - over 750 FREE online courses covering languages, business and enterprise skills, personal development, health and digital literacy and IT skills to name just a few.

The Digital Garage

The Digital Garage - free tutorials from Google on everything from your website to online marketing and beyond. Choose the topics you want to learn, or complete the whole online course for a certification from Google and IAB Europe.

Digital Eagles

Digital Eagles - build your internet skills with the Barclays Digital Eagles. Try the online course and find out about Tea and Teach sessions and the Code Playground for children.

Digital Know How

Digital Know How - advice from Lloyds Banking Group for organisations to save money, time and raise awareness online. Small businesses who are more digital are twice as likely to report an increase in turnover.

IT training events in libraries and other locations

Learning Centre	Address	Day and time
Various libraries across the borough of Rochdale	Miscellaneous	Monthly Digital Skills for Jobs and Barclay's Tea and Teach courses
Balderstone Library	Balderstone Park, Rochdale OL11 2HD	Tuesdays 10.00am-11.00am
Castleton Library	Castleton Community Centre, Manchester Road, Rochdale OL11 3AF	Tuesdays 9.30am-11am and 11am-12.15pm
Darnhill Library	Argyle Parade, Heywood OL10 2RY	Thursdays 10am-11am and 11am-12noon
Employment Links	99-101 Drake Street, Rochdale OL16 1PZ	Please phone for information. 01706 646 471
Junction Library and Community Centre	Junction Community Centre, Grimshaw Lane, Middleton M24 2BW	Tuesdays 2pm-3pm
Heywood Library	Church Street, Heywood OL10 1LS	Tuesdays Basic computer session 2pm-3pm and 3pm-4pm
Langley Library	Langley Children's Centre, Windermere Road, Middleton M24 4LA	Mondays: IT drop-in session - available on request, 3.30pm-5.30pm Jobseekers and CV writing drop-in session - available on request, 3.30pm-5.30pm Tuesdays: IT drop-in session - available on request, 3.30pm-5.30pm Jobseekers and CV writing drop-in session - available on request, 3.30pm-5.30pm
Lighthouse Project	S6b/c Middleton Shopping Centre, Limetrees Road, Middleton M24 4EL	Please phone for information. 0161 643 1163
Littleborough Library	Harehill Park, Littleborough OL15 9HE	Tuesdays and Fridays 2pm-4pm
Middleton Library	Long Street, Middleton M24 6DU	Fridays Beginners computer class, 11am-12noon
Milnrow Library	Newhey Road Milnrow OL16 3PS	Tuesdays 10am-12noon
Rochdale Central Library	Number One Riverside, Smith Street, Rochdale OL16 1XU	Learn My Way sessions: Wednesdays 2pm-4pm Thursdays 10am-12noon
Smallbridge Library	Stevenson Square, Rochdale OL12 9SA	Thursdays 10am-12noon
Spotland Library	Ings Lane, Rochdale OL12 7AL	Mondays 10am-11am and 11am-12noon

Other help

You can find a wide selection of books about computers and the internet at our libraries. You can access the internet for FREE at your local library, all you need to do is join the library. There's no charge to join but you will need proof of address.
FREE training for unemployed adults - there are lots of local training organisations who offer free accredited training to unemployed adults. Many of these courses are short, lasting just a few weeks, and delivered on a part time basis so that Job Seekers Allowance is not affected. View free training for unemployed adults
Basic skills to get you online - access a range of sites and training to get you started.

Internet access and IT support in Rochdale

This shows opening hours and contact details for locations in the Rochdale borough with internet access and IT support. View map on Google

UK Digital Strategy

UK Digital Strategy - this strategy sets out how the UK government will build on the success to date to develop a world-leading digital economy that works for everyone.

Government Transformation Strategy - this document explains what transformation in government means and how the work will be done.

Digital Economy Act 2017 - introduces measures to modernise the UK for enterprise. Summary of what the act includes.

Training and courses
FREE public WiFi
Basic skills to help you get online
First Steps On Your Computer
Web Wise - Introduction to the World Wide Web.
Get Safe Online - Free, expert advice about online security.
Learn my way - A complete e-learning guide.

Contact

library.service@rochdale.gov.uk

0300 303 8876

Phone: Monday-Friday 8.30am-5.30pm.
Closed for training Monday 11am-11.30am.

Did you know?

Joining a library is FREE. You can join any library in England and Wales to use their facilities.

So, if you can't find it with us, take a look at the services on offer at a different library.

View a list of all council websites in England and Wales

Join Rochdale borough libraries

It only takes a couple of minutes to join the library online. You can use your library membership to:

Download the latest eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines and eGraphicnovels to your smartphone, tablet or desktop.
Reserve and renew books.
Choose from thousands of great books and audiobooks.
Access a range of online resources.
Borrow items from any library in the Greater Manchester Consortium.

Please remember to bring identification when you first visit the library to borrow items - for example, utility bill, driving licence or bank statement.

Join the library