Living and feeling better can start with a simple step-connecting. Health Connections Mendip is provided by your Mendip GP practices to improve your health and wellbeing.
Health Connections Mendip has listened to what the community wants and we work in a number of ways to support those who feel digitally excluded or who want to feel more confident in the digital world.
Learn online – Learn My Way is a free online ‘How To’ tutorial site – including videos, training courses and guidelines that you can print off. You can learn online at your own pace. Health Connections Mendip is a registered training centre for Learn My Way. Please enter our Centre ID number 8006569 www.learnmyway.com
Learn with support from a Health Connections member of staff – we run regular sessions where you can learn in a small online group or one to one. From learning to use a keyboard, using zoom through to internet banking and online shopping. Call us 01373-468368 and we will help you to get online so you can attend one of these group or one to one sessions.
Help others – if you are tech savvy and want to support other people by spreading information about support to friends, family and neighbours. You can train as a Digital Community Connector. Book your place on this simple one hour training via eventbrite or do call us if you prefer to book by phone https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/health-connections-mendip-13492597642
Getting devices in order to get online – if you don’t have a tablet or smartphone device, Health Connections can help you look at options to see if there are any free devices, devices on loan or places where you can get online for free.
IT Helpdesk is a free telephone and online service open Monday to Friday 9am-5pm and supports digitally excluded individuals to use IT equipment.
Spark iT are also recruiting Digital Champions who are volunteers offering IT support in the local community.
Anyone who is a member of Somerset Libraries can borrow an iPad free of charge for a period of up to six weeks from Chard, Shepton Mallet, Minehead, Taunton or Bridgwater libraries.
This pilot scheme is to help in searching for employment.
Becoming a member of Somerset Libraries is free and easy to do. You can join online but in order to borrow an iPad you will need to become a full member which you can do by visiting your local library.
Borrowers will need to sign an iPad borrower request form and agree to the Terms and Conditions of use.
Health Connections Mendip are offering Frome residents a free of charge digital service, using online group sessions on a Thursday at 2pm. Suitable for beginners who’d like to lean basic digital skills in a friendly group environment. Book a place on Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/health-connections-mendip-13492597642
Bridgwater & Taunton College are able to offer FREE distance learning in a wide variety of courses under the support of specialist tutors. You could choose to study Business & Administration, Counselling skills, IT User skills, Environmental Awareness, and many more.
All learning will be online.
Learners must be 19 years or over and have lived in the EU for the past three years. If aged 19-23 you must have a full Level 2 qualification (eg GCSEs, NVQ). If over 24 years old then no qualifications are required.
See the website link for full criteria, list of courses and all the details.
The government’s adviser for the natural environment in England. We help to protect and restore our natural world. Our purpose is to help conserve, enhance and manage the natural environment for the benefit of present and future generations, thereby contributing to sustainable development.
Lots of advice and information that would be helpful for farmers, agricultural workers and anyone working in the rural environment.
Whether you are searching for your next job opportunity, starting a new career, working on your employability skills or just beginning your journey in the world of work, Step Up Somerset provides information and support to help you.
The Step Up Somerset website provides information on skills development, training, job opportunities, redundancy support, support for businesses and career progression.
As part of the project, one to one support will be available in all four of Somerset’s district council areas, where people will be able to get help and advice on looking for a job, writing or updating their CV, interview preparation, apprenticeships, and skills training.
Creativity Works offers an opportunity to learn some creative skills, make new friends and is suitable for people who are in the process of recovery from ongoing mental health challenges, anxiety or depression, to help build confidence, learn new skills and make friends.
The courses available will encourage people to have a focus, participate creatively with professional artists, and meet like-minded individuals in a safe and supportive environment. To see free courses on offer please go to our website, link below. Courses are currently offered online using Zoom for people living in Mendip.
The website contains over 30 free courses designed to help beginners get started with the online basics – using a mouse, keyboard, setting up email accounts and using internet search engines – while also offering plenty to help people develop their digital skills further. Health Connections Mendip are an online learning center, Please enter the code 80006569 when registering.
*Covid udate – Tech shed is running online. Check the website for details.*
Bringing together people with an interest in technology, to make useful things for the community of Frome.
Wednesdays 7pm – 9pm at The Remakery, The Welshmill Hub, Frome. £3 per week with a £5 annual membership fee. Concession rates are available.
** COVID-19 Update: Please note due to current coronavirus restrictions this service may be affected. Please check with the service provider **
Edventure offer the MAKE course to young adults aged 18-35 whether you are out of work, looking for a new direction or just want to gain confidence. Spend 3 weeks in a team learning to design, make and sell products made from raw materials such as metal, wood, fabric, silver and leather.
See the website for the course times and booking form. The MAKE course is FREE.
*Covid update – currently holding a Digital Café Tues 10-12. Contact Mike 07961 716329 or Suzi 07961 716201*
Positive People offers a lifeline to people who are not in work to help build confidence, skills and give a sense of hope for the future. The projects give people the opportunity to get involved in local communities, meet new people and have fun through a range of activities. The programme is open to anyone over 18 who is out of work. You can access this service without a referral.
COVID-19 Update: Please note due to current coronavirus restrictions this service may be affected. Please check with the service provider.
Frome Library runs ‘Learn My Way’ basic computer courses, including modules on browsing the web, staying safe online, email, shopping, and social media. If you are stuck with something specific we will do our best to help. You can use our computers or bring your own laptop or tablet.
You need to be over 18 and a member of the library. Sessions are held on Mondays and Thursdays 9.30 – 12.00. Phone or come into the library to find out more or book a place.