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.

Typical support 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.

Julie Poynter, operations director for Basingstoke Consortium, said this is a ‘unique opportunity’ for local people.