Radio 2's Get Connected campaign launches on Monday 1 March. The aim of the campaign is to help more of our listeners get online and understand digital technology better.

:: Ask a friend or relative
:: Libraries
:: Â鶹Éç Phone Help
::ÌýÂ鶹Éç Online Help
:: UK Online Centres Help
::ÌýLearn Direct

:: Ask a friend or relative
If you know someone who has computer skills and is able to pass them on, it can be a great way to learn. Just ask. It means you’ll have someone at hand to ask questions on the set up and functions of the computer and the internet as well as them being on hand to answer any questions you have and to practise the basics such as sending an email and how to ‘surf’ the internet .


:: Libraries
Nearly all libraries have computers available to use for free and many offer free internet access. Many also offer free online courses that you can register for.

::ÌýÂ鶹Éç Phone Help

If you need help to get online you can phone the Â鶹Éç Advice Line which will point you in the right direction. 

Call the Â鶹Éç Advice Line free on 08000 150 950

For instance, if you would like to go on a free computer course the helpline will be able to point you to the closest library or UK Online Centre. From there, it’s really simple. Just arrange a date and a time for a free course.

The helpline will also answer any specific questions you have and will direct you to where you can get any additional help you need.
(Calls are free from a BT landline but mobile phone charges may vary)

:: Â鶹Éç Online Help
The Â鶹Éç provides online courses to help develop your computer skills. Webwise and RAW Computing are training modules that you can complete online and will take you through the basics such as using a mouse and a keyboard and can also improve your skills and confidence:

- tips on getting started plus question and answer area.
- great beginners guide to computer skills
- information on types of internet connections for your home


The Â鶹Éç also has its own website which is a good place to help you use and understand the internet as well as showing you how to create your own pictures, audio or film - if you want to.

:: UK Online Centres Help
There are over 3,000 UK Online Centres in England plus the equivalent organisations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. They are usually libraries, further education centres, community learning locations or IT centres where you can register to complete the free MyGuide online courses, including Online Basics.

You can call for free on 0800 771234
UK Online Centres will direct you to your local centre where you can arrange to take a free My Guide course. Or, if you have a friend or family member to help you, the course can be completed online by going to the following website - - and selecting ‘My Guides’

If you live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland UK Online Centre will direct you to the equivalent centre, or you can contact the following organisations directly:

::ÌýLearn Direct
If you’re looking for IT courses and qualifications, Learn Direct will be able to help.
Call on 0800 101 901
Check their website here:

Learn Direct in Scotland
Call them on 0808 100 9000
Check their website here: 

Learn Direct in Wales
Call them on 0800 100 900 or from a landline or 02920 906 801 if calling on a mobile. 
Check their website here:

Learn Direct Northern Ireland
Pop into your nearest public or mobile library for help.
Check their website here: