How to get online in Gloucestershire

The internet is a great way of finding information, keeping in contact with friends and family, paying

Getting online

Lots of information is only available on the internet. If you don’t have access to the internet at home, your library can help. There is free public Wi-Fi at all libraries in Gloucestershire.

Gloucestershire libraries

Libraries are open for public browsing and computer access. To check your local library opening hours,

Develop your digital skills

Whether you are an absolute beginner or more advanced, you can get help to improve and develop your ICT and digital skills. See page 28 for information about being safe online. Learn My Way is an online resource that has free courses to help you learn digital skills to stay safe and connected. Visit www.learnmyway.com

Gloucestershire Digital Hubs

A new innovative approach, developed by Forest Voluntary Action Forum (FVAF) and the Adult Transformation Team, to tackle digital exclusion across Gloucestershire. The project’s aim is to increase digital inclusion across all six districts in Gloucestershire. Each district will be offered free, accessible, tailored support to individuals, via safe and trusted community hubs and spaces. Visit www.gloucestershire-digital-hubs.co.uk or email community@fvaf.org.uk

Age UK Gloucestershire

The Digital Champions Project aims to motivate and inspire digitally excluded older people to get online, support them to engage safely and securely in the digital world and offers a free tablet loan scheme. Volunteer Digital Champions offer in-depth and bespoke one-to-one support to help older people in Gloucestershire develop their digital skills and confidence.

Email jdavies@ageukgloucestershire.org.uk or call 01452 422660.

bills, shopping and much more. The following sections will help you make the most of the internet.

and services on offer, visit www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/libraries

Some services may continue to be a little different in the coming months, but the council is working hard to resume services when it is appropriate to do so, and this website will be updated regularly.

Adult Education in Gloucestershire

Offers a wide range of courses and qualifications that will help you achieve skills required by employers. Visit www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/ adult-education-in-gloucestershire, email learn@gloucestershire.gov.uk or call 0800 542 1655

New projects are always being set up to support you with getting online and any new services will be added to the Your Circle website. Visit www.yourcircle.org.uk

Useful national websites and apps Government services and information are becoming increasingly accessible online, and you can update your details this way too. GOV.UK is a public sector website which provides a single point of access for HM Government information and services. Visit www.gov.uk

The NHS website and apps library hosts thousands of articles, videos, tools and apps, helping you make the best choices about your health and lifestyle. It can also help you make the most of NHS and social care services in England. As well as information, there is a guide for people who have care and support needs, their carers and people who are planning for their future care needs. Visit www.nhs.uk

Your Circle is a website run by Gloucestershire County Council. It is a directory to help you find your way around care and support and connect with people, places and activities in Gloucestershire. You can find out what is happening in your local community as well as local health and social care services offered through public, private, voluntary and community groups. The website has lots of information about maintaining your independence, including transport options, financial advice, volunteering, support groups, help in your own home and much more. Visit www.yourcircle.org.uk

ASAP – Get health advice. ASAP is a website and app allowing you to search for health advice by service or condition, providing a step-by-step guide through symptoms, self-care and signposting to the appropriate NHS service/s. You can also find opening hours and service location information. Download the app in your app store (for iPhone and Android). Visit www.asapglos.nhs.uk

Part one: Help to be healthy, active and independent

This part of the guide is about helping you find out what is available in Gloucestershire and what you can do to help yourself, or the person that you care for, to be healthy, active and independent for as long as possible. It will help you find out where to go to

Being healthy

Good health is about your mind as well as your body. Feeling physically fit and feeling good about yourself can help you to achieve more of the things that you want to do in life. There are lots of things you can do to be as healthy as possible and to remain as independent as you can. This chapter will help you find useful information to help you with your physical, mental and sexual health.

Health advice

If you need medical help and advice but it is not an emergency, you can ring NHS 111. This is the NHS non-emergency telephone number and is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Calls are free from landlines and mobiles.

The service is staffed by a team of fully trained advisers with clinical support, who will ask questions to assess your symptoms. It will then give you the healthcare advice you need or direct you straight away to the local service that is best placed to help you.

get a bit of extra help and what is available locally.

There is information on what to do if you need more help, what care and support is and how it works in part two of the guide.