A ROADSHOW to take digital advice services across West Somerset to help residents in rural areas access technology and online services has been organised by the Connection Café team in Minehead.

In partnership with Spark IT and Minehead Eye, the roadshow will focus on areas which could be excluded from getting online due to the remote location and difficulties with internet connections.

Minehead Eye digital co-ordinator Beth Wrigley said: “We are looking forward to getting out into the community and offering free help and advice to people who want to access online services safely and with confidence for anything from online shopping to improving their IT skills to managing their health and wellbeing.

“We are also offering technical support for those who have a smartphone, laptop, or tablet and need help setting them up or learning how to use them proficiently.

Connection Cafe, Minehead Eye.
Connection Cafe, Minehead Eye. (Connection Café)

“The roadshow will be run as a drop-in service, so there is no need to book.

“There will be a mobile wi fi unit available so that we can ensure everybody can get online and we will have a selection of different devices available that attendees can use if they want to try something new.”

The dates for the Connection Café Roadshow are:

  • Luxborough - September 18, 2 pm to 3.30 pm Royal Oak, Jumpers Combe, TA23 0SH

  • Porlock - October 2, 2 pm to 3.30 pm Royal Oak, High Street, Porlock, TA24 8PS

  • Withycombe - November 13, 2 pm to 3.30 pm Withycombe Memorial Hall, TA24 6PZ

  • Exford - October 30, 2 pm to 3.30 pm Exmoor White Horse Inn - Chapel St, TA24 7PY

  • Williton Talking Cafe - November 21, 1-pm to 3pm Williton Pavilion, Killick Way, TA4 4QA

  • Roadwater - December 4, 2 pm to 3.30 pm Roadwater Village shop, TA23 0QY

  • Dulverton Talking Cafe - December 7, 10.30 am to 12.30 pm Magna, Fishers Mead Community Room, TA22 9EN

Ms Wrigley said: “In our work out of Minehead Eye we have been able to help a huge number of people improve their skills and confidence using technology and online services.

“But we know that travel is still a major barrier for people who need to access support but live in more remote parts of the county.

“By going out to these more isolated communities, we hope that we can not only help people get online, but bring them together in a space where there is no such thing as a silly question.

“Not only are our Connection Cafes great for learning new skills, they are also spaces that provide some much needed social connection, so we would encourage people to come along for a chat and to see what is going on.”

The Spark iT project has already helped more than 2,000 people across Somerset to improve their digital skills and works with local and national partners to provide data and devices to those in need.

The Spark iT digital café network now has 18 venues, with 95 per cent of Somerset residents having a digital café within 10 miles of their home.

More information about the wide range of Spark IT services and new digital café locations is available here or by calling 01458 550977.