Everybody Online Caithness - Project Launch
Press Release
Date: 2nd September 2009
'Everybody Online - Caithness', the first project of its kind in the Highlands, is holding its official launch on Thursday 17 September at Caithness Horizons, Thurso.
The project aims to allow locals who have never had the chance to use the internet the opportunity to discover what it can do.
Funded by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), with the support of BT Scotland, Everybody Online - Caithness is run by a national charity 'Citizens Online' and aims to use technology to help communities counter social disadvantage.
Members of the public are invited to the launch, which will include refreshments and a buffet lunch from 12.30 pm, with free internet taster sessions available throughout the day .
Shona Macdonald, Project Officer based at the Community Learning Offices in Thurso, commented:
"The Everybody Online Caithness project started in May 2009 and to date it has been going really well. I have had the opportunity to work with numerous local organisations and the project has been very well received. I am looking forward to developing the project and working in partnership with many more agencies to increase the awareness of the benefits of IT and the internet"
"Using computers and the internet for the first time can be intimidating for many people. This project can help people overcome those fears in a welcoming and supporting environment. We are delighted at HIE to be supporting Everybody Online - Caithness and are committed to working alongside both Citizens Online and BT to further enhance the lives of people in the Caithness area with the use of technology," said Annemarie Monteforte of HIE.
Brendan Dick, Director of BT Scotland, said: "This project is quite unique because it encourages people who wouldn't otherwise see the benefits, or indeed have access to the new technologies, to get involved. People need support to show them how to use it and to realise the benefits it can bring to their lives."
"Technology is having an ever-increasing impact on our lives and it's vital that all members of the community have access to the digital world. BT is committed and pleased to be part of this exciting project to help local people get online and to open up a whole new world of opportunities in all areas of their lives."
The Launch will take place between 12-3 pm in Caithness Horizons, Thurso. Official speeches begin at 1 pm courtesy of HIE and Citizens Online. A buffet lunch will be available from 12.30 pm and there will be free internet taster sessions and genealogy advice on hand throughout the day.
A host of partners will be exhibiting at the event, including BT, HIE and Ormlie Community Association.
- Ends -
For further information contact Shona MacDonald on:
T: 01847 892 956
M: 078 2724 0452
E: shona@citizensonline.org.uk
For further information log on to http://www.citizensonline.org.uk
Note to Editors
EververybodyOnline
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) is the Scottish Government's regional development agency for an area which covers half of Scotland, from Shetland to Argyll and from the Outer Hebrides to Moray. Visit www.hie.co.uk
Project Officer Shona Macdonald can be contacted on 07827 240452 or 01847 892956.
Citizens Online is a UK charity committed to researching, addressing and promoting the issues of digital inclusion. It has delivered 23 projects across the UK in the past five years and works in various ways, either in geographical areas or with specific groups, i.e. the homeless. For more details see its website http://www.citizensonline.org.uk
About BT
BT is one of the world's leading providers of communications solutions and services operating in 170 countries. Its principal activities include the provision of networked IT services globally; local, national and international telecommunications services to our customers for use at home, at work and on the move; broadband and internet products and services and converged fixed/mobile products and services. BT consists principally of four lines of business: BT Global Services, Openreach, BT Retail and BT Wholesale.
In the year ended March 31, 2009, BT Group's revenue was £21,390 million.
British Telecommunications plc (BT) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BT Group plc and encompasses virtually all businesses and assets of the BT Group. BT Group plc is listed on stock exchanges in London and New York.
For more information, visit www.bt.com/aboutbt