Have a Merrier Christmas online!
Oldham's Highway to Opportunities UK online centre is encouraging local people to see if computers and the Internet could make their Christmas that little bit Merrier…
The centre is running Christmas themed activity over the next few weeks in preparation for the big day. Over the 'Five days of Christmas' people can learn how to eat well and stay well this winter, keep in touch, start shopping online, get their Christmas chores done online, and even how to Pass IT on to other people. Louise Day is centre manager at the Union Street centre. She said: "Whether it's looking up recipes, getting last minute presents, planning a trip to see relatives or keeping in touch on Skype, computers and the Internet can help people save time, hassle and money over the Festive season. It doesn't matter if you've never even touched a computer before or if you already know a little bit, with our free and easy computer courses we could help you get going and get online in time for Christmas Day!" There are an estimated one in five people across Oldham who aren't online, and they could be missing out on all sorts of benefits and opportunities this December.
One person already looking forward to an online Christmas is local woman Heather Rushton, 49, from Dobcross, who is one of the people the Highway to Opportunities centre has already helped to get to grips with computers. She said: "This Christmas I'm going to be sending e-cards out to my family, and I'll even be talking to my friends in Cornwall in person! We use Skype, which lets you make a phone call on a computer and see the other person live on a web camera. It's so much better than an ordinary phone call because I'll be able to see him opening the presents I've sent over. Best of all it's completely free, so I'm saving money too! Learning about computers and the Internet has made such a difference to me, and it's going to make Christmas extra special. I'd definitely recommend everyone to come along and see what computers could do for you this Christmas!"
To follow in Heather's footsteps, come along to the Highway to Opportunities centre for one of their special Christmas sessions:
16th December 9:30 – 12:30 On the first day of Christmas computers gave to me…
New ways to keep in touch and say Happy Christmas to friends and family! Whether its e-Christmas cards or a free face-to-face chat on Skype, computers and the Internet could help you share Christmas with people anywhere in the world.
16th December 1:00 – 4:00 On the second day of Christmas computers gave to me…
The chance to make Christmas chores quicker and easier! As well as all the fun stuff, Christmas involves some practical things too. If you've got to book train tickets, need to check your route for a car journey or just check when the bins are being collected, computers and the Internet could help.
23rd December 9:30 – 12:30 On the third day of Christmas computers gave to me…
Some fantastic bargains on Christmas presents, and the turkey delivered direct to the door! With computers and the Internet you could compare prices on the presents you want to buy, and get your groceries online so you're not fighting the crowds in the supermarket.
23rd December 1:00 – 4:00 On the fourth day of Christmas computers gave to me…
Great recipes, and great advice on how to eat well and stay well this Christmas! If you're looking to spice up your Christmas dinner, trying not to pile on too many pounds or just attempting to avoid the usual winter cold, computers and the Internet could help.
On the fifth day of Christmas computers gave to me… Pass IT on!
If you're already making your Christmas Merrier by being online, why not encourage someone else to do the same? Taking the time to introduce somebody else to computers and the Internet could be the best present you give this year.
Please call Highway to Opportunities on 0161 621 9200 for more information and to book.
