"It's opened doors to new things and I have more of a social life"

The six took part in the Digital Inclusion Tablet course, an eight-week course held at the City Library.

It was delivered in partnership with Newcastle-based services Mental Health Concern and Recovery Support Team with the course designed by Get Online Newcastle and Help4Health, as part of a pilot project funded by Health Education England.

Each learner was taught how to use the internet and emails safely, use search engines, download important apps, access key websites such as NHS Every Mind Matters and YHN, and use online forms.

And at the end of the course, each of the learners – Fiona, Mahsa, Craig, Martin, Shane and Mark - received a SIM enabled tablet and a certificate.

The course is structured to show customers how to set up online accounts, introduce them to services on the internet so they can manage their finances better, and encourage conversation with each other during the breaks to help them come out of their shell and grow their confidence.

Lisa Dawson, Digital Inclusion Programme Coordinator, said: “Many of our tablet course participants have become socially isolated and some people have longer term anxieties following the pandemic and these courses are often the first step on the journey back to a “normal” lifestyle.

“The value of this experience, shared with other people in similar circumstances, cannot be overstated and added to the practical digital skills learned are powerful influences in creating the circumstances for positive changes in the lives of our learners.”

Julie Monroe, Health & Digital Literacy Officer, said: “Delivering this latest course with the Get Online team has been an absolute joy, not least because of what I have learned from the people who attended the course.

“It has been a delight to see how empowered participants feel when they get the hang of using free apps like those that allow people to access books and magazines on their brand new tablets.”

One learner, Martin, said: “I was okay using a computer but I’d never used a tablet before. I learned how to set it up, use emails, save files, browse the internet and send messages.

“Some websites are tricky and confusing to access so I wanted to learn how to do it, I had almost given up on getting online.

“The course has been really good. I’ve got friends who I have told about this course.”

Fellow learner Shane, who lives in Fawdon, said: “I’ve found the course very helpful, the people running it were great and bent over backwards to help us.

“I’ve never used a tablet before, just a phone. This course has helped me a lot. I’ve been able to set up the NHS app and get onto YHN’s website.

“It’s opened doors to new things and I have more of a social life thanks to doing this.

“Those on the course have built up a bond and we have helped each other. It was great.”