A COMMUNITY group is joining a national campaign to encourage more people to become internet savvy.

Today marks the beginning of ‘Get Online Week’ which aims to help people improve their digital skills.

This year it’s asking people to ‘Try 1 Thing’ - to use the internet to do one task they would usually do in a shop or bank, in a doctor’s or chemist, or over the phone.

Kathryn Halford, development manager at Queensbury Community Programme (QCP) said: “Almost everyone has heard about some of the ways the internet can help you save money, save time, and make life easier and more fun.

“But if you’re not confident using a computer, tablet or smartphone, or you’ve heard about some of the dangers of being online, it can be difficult to take that next step.

“But getting the most out of the internet doesn’t have to be scary.

“We think that doing just one thing online is all you need to do to get started.”

The programme will hold its Get Online Week events on Wednesday, from 1.30pm until 3.30pm at Goodwin House, Minstrel Close, Queensbury.

One person who has already benefited is Mayla Sugden, 77, who has been getting help from QCP to get online.

She said: “I never dreamed I’d be able to learn about computers at my age but I really wanted to be able keep in touch with my family abroad and people kept telling me to use the internet.”

With help from the centre, she was soon Skyping her daughter and family in the West Indies and America.

“I couldn’t believe we could chat face to face,” she said.

“I kept on learning and now I’m emailing and even looking for cheaper flights tickets to go and visit.

“Getting online has brought me such joy.”

For more information contact QCP at The Bank, 36 High Street, Queensbury, on 01274 816748.

Ms Halford said all are welcome to attend the events.

Other events to be held in Bradford include an online banking session with the Safety First Community Training Centre, Edward Street, off Wakefield Road.

It will run tomorrow from 9.30 am until 12 noon.

Other sessions looking at using online resources will run on Wednesday and Thursday from 9.30am until 12pm.