Campaign to deliver vital training in basic digital skills launched by charity

The initiative, entitled Be Online, will take place across the UK from 15 - 28 February, and will see hundreds of events in community venues across the country.

The charity argues that looking for work, staying healthy, managing money and keeping in touch with loved ones are all quicker and easier online and for the 12 million people without digital skills, it can feel pretty scary getting started.

This is why the Be Online campaign will help digital beginners get the support they need to make the most of the internet.

Tinder Foundation Chief Executive, Helen Milner OBE, said: "Digital skills are now an essential part of life. Finding work, saving money and using public services are all increasingly difficult without using the computers and the internet.

"That's why campaigns like Be Online 2016 are so important. Thousands of events will take place across the country, making sure everyone can access they support they need to become confident internet users. I'm really looking forward to hearing about the hundreds of organisations taking part reaching out to new people, and help them gain new digital skills."

Be Online will be supported by Learn My Way , a free online learning platform, where there are hundreds of courses and resources to help with basics skills like emailing and internet searches, and more complex online tasks like searching and applying for work, or booking a doctor’s appointment.

To find a Be Online event near you, call the National Careers Service helpline free on 0800 77 1234 and tell them you’d like help with your digital skills. Or you can visit www.ukonlinecentres.com/centresearch .

If you’d like to get involved in Be Online, or would like more information, contact Chris Andersson on 0114 349 1625 or chris@tinderfoundation.org.