FOR 'Get Online Week' the Cumbria County Council’s Adult Learning service will be offering every adult in the county a chance to improve their digital confidence with free courses.

Over 13 million people in the UK are believed to be lacking in digital skills they need for work, according to Lloyds Consumer Digital Index.

Cumbria’s Adult Learning service wants to ensure no-one is left behind and will offer free courses this Autumn for every adult in Cumbria.

The service offers a range of courses covering IT & Digital Skills - and most are free. This includes introductory courses for complete beginners, through to courses covering specific skills around tools such as Zoom, Excel and Microsoft Office - and importantly - online safety.

Deborah Earl, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Community Services said “Using our devices with confidence is not just something we need for work - digital skills are now an essential for everyday life.

"If the last two years have taught us anything, it is how vital digital skills are for everyone in our community. Getting online with confidence keeps us connected with our friends and family.

"Those skills can be used to open up so many opportunities: staying connected to our communities, accessing services, saving money, improving health & wellbeing and employment.

“In Cumbria, we’ve already helped over 270 people improve their digital skills since August this year.

"Digital inclusion is about making sure we don’t leave anyone behind.

"If you - or someone you know - could benefit from improving their online confidence, please look at the free courses Adult Learning has on offer.”