Mind Parkside UK Online Centre

We became a fully registered UK Online Centre in 2009.  Our goal being to help people to access computers and the internet free of charge.  Several studies have confirmed the link between social deprivation and digital deprivation.  Mind Parkside is open to all members of the community who do not have access to digital technology – computers and the internet.

We provide a welcome, relaxed setting where learners can follow courses at their own pace.  A tutor is there to facilitate their learing.  Each learner selects their own course and follows a video tutor on screen.  Each computer comes with its own headset to follow instructions.  When things go wrong (as they invariably do with technology), the tutor is there to help them back online again, and to reassure them that this is common, and that it is not their fault if the computer goes offline or restarts because of some back-up routine running in the background.

We also have set sessions for over 50s.  All other sessions are for any age group.

Last year, we also received funding from the Lloyds TSB Foundation for funding, not only to buy the computers, but also to create a DVD editing suite.  With their funding we were able to provide 16 weeks of training with ongoing consultation so that centre users could learn how to use a digital video camera, sound equipment and then transfer to an editing programme on the computer.  Finally, to then create their own DVD.  The team have since produced a number of DVDs for local community projects, as well as for our 25th Anniversary last year.

We also provide basic web design training, to create a Web Log (BLOG) or social network web site – this training is free.  This web site is an example of what can be done after just 45 minutes of training in how to create a Blog web site.  It’s easy and fun to do.

Mind Parkside UK Online Centre Opening Times:

My Guide is an online teaching guide covering a wide range of topics:

• Using the internet safely
• Using public services online
• Using the web
• Using online searches
• Using email
• Using a computer
• Using digital TV
• Using a mobile phone
• Using digital photography
• Understanding public services online
• Understanding shopping online
• Understanding job hunting online
• Understanding music online
• Understanding your home computer
• Understanding banking online
• Understanding socialising online
• Understanding eBay auctions online
• Understanding family education
• Understanding money management
• Understanding UK politics
• Understanding your family history
• Understanding UK politics
• Understanding family internet safety
• Understanding green living
• Understanding jobs and interviews
• Understanding transport in the UK
• Understanding renting/buying property

For more information contact Graham Nicholls:

Email: grahamnicholls@plymouthmind.org.uk
TEL: 01752 510558