EDUCATION charity Basingstoke Consortium has launched a free digital mentor service to help local people gain confidence online.

The scheme runs from the Community House at 32 Branton Close in South Ham, Basingstoke every Wednesday from 9am to 4pm, when IT professionals will be on hand during the sessions and courses.

Typical support on offer will include online shopping and comparison sites, job searching, how to open an email account and stay safe online. Other areas include word processing, support with Universal Credit and universal Job Match.

For those wanting to get back into work, careers advice and guidance is on offer available, with the opportunity to take part in volunteering or work experience.

The project is funded by Department for Work and Pensions as part of its Flexible Support Fund, designed to support local communities. Operated by Basingstoke Consortium it is also supported locally by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, Sovereign Housing Association and Sentinel Housing Association.

Department for Work and Pensions flexible support fund manager, Karen Brierley, said: “As the digital agenda encompasses all that we do, it is essential that we ensure our claimants are fully aware and able to use the digital facilities available to them. “It is therefore a pleasure to welcome help from local community providers to support this process.”

Julie Poynter, operations director for Basingstoke Consortium, said: “With the increased reliance on IT in everyday life this is a unique opportunity for local people to access various IT solutions at the Community House in South Ham. We are proud to be working in partnership with DWP and significant others to provide individuals with a unique learning experience that will have direct benefit.”

Councillor Hayley Eachus, who is the Cabinet Member responsible for digital transformation at Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, said: “So many things are easier and quicker to do online and we don’t want our residents to miss out on those opportunities. “We are keen to support community-based projects like this that help people get online and update their work skills in a friendly and familiar environment with local volunteers.”