Post Office to offer information on internet access

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PEOPLE who feel cut off from society because they do not have internet skills are to be offered a new service.

Post Office counter staff will now be able to print off the nearest internet access points to customers' homes in an effort to help some of the 16 million in the UK who don't know how to use it.

It has become involved with charity Go ON UK which aims to make the UK the world's most digitally skilled nation.

The Post Office, Online Centre Foundation and partners have for the first time brought together the information about internet courses across the UK to create a single database.

The Post Office can now link to that system, insert a postcode into their registers and print off the nearest five addresses of free or low-cost internet access and training points.

Paula Vennells, chief executive, said: "The internet is a huge part of everyday life but there are millions of people who are missing out on the benefits.

"Our 'Get Connected' campaign is an exciting development where people who don't have access to the internet will be able to find a facility to get online.

"It is a real disadvantage being excluded from the better deals and offers only available online. There are also social exclusion aspects such as keeping in touch with friends and family. We are well placed to take on this role, serving around 20 million customers."

Also contributing vto the database are the Scottish Library and Information Council and Highlands & Islands Enterprise (HIE).