Digital Skills

Do you want to improve your digital skills and become more confident on the computer?

There are around 11 million people in the UK who are lacking basic digital skills such as knowing how to use computer a computer or tablet, how to access and use the internet, and having the skills needed to work more effectively.

Thurrock Council are committed to tackling digital exclusion across the Borough. We believe that everyone should be able to enjoy a better quality of life and improve their wellbeing by being digitally connected. Across the Borough, Thurrock Adult Community College, Thurrock Libraries and other local community and voluntary organisations work together to offer a range of advice, support and training to help residents get online.

See below some of the ways your local library can help you get more connected.

FREE INTERNET ACCESS

Open access computers are available at 10 venues across the Borough at your local libraries. You can also bring your own device and log on to the free public Wi-Fi at all venues for up to 2 hours each day.

You can book a library computer, here. You must use your library card number and pin to login.

Printing Services at Local Libraries

You can use the printers at your local library for a small fee. You can print from the library computers or your own computer, tablet, or smartphone using the Wi-Fi print service...you can even do this from your home and pick up your prints later! You can find out more information, here.

Learning at Your Library

Thurrock libraries offer a range of sessions to help you improve and learn new skills.

• Basic computer skills – Wiser4IT
• iPads and other tablet devices – Talking tablet
• Social media skills
• Microsoft Office skills
• Web conferencing skills
• TikTok skills for small and medium-sized businesses
• Internet safety
• Using e-books and e-magazines

We also offer sessions to help you make different types of applications.

There are other courses you can access online independently using your Thurrock library membership.

Many of our libraries also run a variety of community groups throughout the week. Pop in to your local library today to find out more.

Free Data for Devices

Thurrock Libraries is a community partner of the Good Things Foundation: National Databank scheme, also know as 'data gifting', which provides free mobile phone data, texts and calls for people in need.

The following companies are supporting the scheme by providing free SIM cards – small plastic cards that slot into mobile phones.

• Three: a one-off top up of 24GB
• Virgin Media O2: an initial 6 month contract offering 15GB per month
• Vodafone: an initial 6 month contract offering 20G per month

Currently you can only sign-up for the scheme at libraries in these towns - Belhus, Chadwell, Corringham, East Tilbury, Grays, and Tilbury.

If you would like more information about the scheme or to find out if you are eligible, please click here.