It's never too late to join the digital age ­— that's the message from Bolton Council which is helping everyone get online.

The council is offering free access to digital devices and taster sessions throughout October as part of the Digiober campaign and national Get Online Week from October 14 to 20.

The campaigns targets those who have little or no experience in using IT equipment like smart phones, tablets, or PCs and helps them give it a go for free.

The aim is to open up a world of possibilities for those that feel digitally excluded, helping more people get online to become more confident in using digital devices, providing greater life opportunities like access to further education and jobs.

In partnership with Greater Manchester Databank, the Bolton’s Digital Employment and Skills team (DES) has supported hundreds of people with access to free SIM cards and devices over the past few years.

Based at Bolton Central Library, the DES team have provided digital skills training and drop-in and one-to-one sessions, lending laptops and tablets and provided easier ways to get online with low cost broadband social tariffs.

The team has helped many people, but there area still 26,000 residents still classed as at high risk of digital exclusion according to the Greater Manchester Digital Exclusion Risk Index 2024 (DERI).

Anyone feeling digitally excluded can access the free support during October with:

• Borrowing devices

• Getting online

• Browsing the internet

• Using online shopping

• Applying for jobs

• Setting up email accounts

• Joining training courses

As part of Get Online Week, Starting Point Community Partnership are at Bolton Central Library on Thursday, October 17 from 2pm to 4pm, supported by the NHS, Public Health, and Age UK.

The organisations will be on hand to show how to access health services online, saving time, money and helping stay well using a range of apps and resources and the session include:

• ‘Take a break and practice mindfulness’ using a Virtual Reality headset

• Getting online with free SIM cards and digital skills training

• Using the NHS app to manage GP appointments and prescriptions

• Accessing the Libraries Borrowbox, ebook, and audiobook download service

• Free entry into the Digitober Trail competition to win a DELL Inspiron laptop

Cllr Nick Peel, Leader of Bolton Council and Greater Manchester Digital Development Lead, said: "We want everyone in Bolton to be engaged in a digital borough, where no one is left behind or disadvantaged because they can’t access and use digital technology.

“It also supports Bolton’s ambition to be a part of a world-leading digital city region and is part of Greater Manchester’s plan to combat digital exclusion and close the digital divide in society.

“Being online can help people save money, find new opportunities and improve the quality of their lives, yet there are many who still have little or no access to the internet.

“I’d urge everyone to join in activities and take up the free offer to learn a little more about the digital world we all live in.”

Contact the DES team on 01204 332853 DES@bolton.gov.uk or call in to your nearest library for help with digital devices and training.

For more information visit https://www.boltondes.org.uk/news/article/22/give-digital-a-go-this-digitober