Getting started
Do you need equipment?
Eligible patients can be referred to device-giving schemes.
- Digital Doorway provides a laptop or tablet (and possibly data) to get online. You will need to be referred by an organisation or a professional
- Donate IT supply refurbished laptops and phones to those needing them, delivering devices to locations all over Dorset via the social prescribing team at your local general practice surgery
- Affordable broadband – lots of internet providers offer ‘social tariffs’ to people on benefits
- Free SIM cards – like a foodbank but for mobile data, the National Databank provides free mobile SIM cards for people who can’t access the internet
Help and advice getting online
Volunteer digital champions
Face to face support in libraries, community centres and some cafes and restaurants across Dorset.
Find out where your nearest digital champions session is – Dorset Council website.
Digital Hotline: 01305 221048
Tech Buddies
In the BCP Council, there is face to face support in libraries across Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch.
Digital Care Coordinators
The digital care coordinator at your surgery can signpost you to digital tools and organisations to support your health and wellbeing.
THE best way to learn is little and often. Why not ask a family member, neighbour or friend to get you started?
Learn at home
There are lots of free online courses:
