AbilityNet provide all levels of support from free IT support from fully DBS-checked team members for older individuals and disabled individuals of any age, to helping professionals improve accessibility of digital products and websites.
A UK-wide organisation, they have team members situated in Surrey for localised support.
Complete the request form on their website to request learning support for yourself or a friend/family member.
District/borough: Countywide
Blind Veterans UK
Blind Veterans UK help visually-impaired ex-servicemen and women to rebuild their lives after sight loss. As well as an incredible range of services including rehabilitation, retraining and emotional support, the charity offers help with accessing suitable tech and re-learning digital skills in both group and one to one environments. To be eligible for help from this charity, you need to meet the criteria – referrals and eligibility checkers are available on their website.
Good Things Foundation
A nationally operating charity, the Good Things Foundation have been incredibly active in promoting change and improvement to accessibility for digitally excluded individuals around the UK, including Surrey. Among their services they offer digital skills learning support, help with affordability of Wi-Fi and data packages, and a National Device Bank of refurbished laptops and tablets for those unable to purchase them themselves. From their website you can refer someone for support in any area required.
Surrey Libraries – Digital Buddies
Digital Buddies volunteers are operational across 46 of Surrey’s 52 library sites. They can offer personalised, one to one support with any digital products or websites you might be struggling with, as well as helping to access the library’s wide range of online services through their free Livvy app for access to audiobooks, papers and magazines, and much more. Libraries have Wi-Fi and equipment already in place, so you can use the computers there or you’re welcome to bring your own device (perhaps a laptop or smartphone).
We Are Digital
For those struggling with using digital products, We Are Digital have partnered with Vodaphone to create a Digital Skills phone helpline, which is free to call. They can help you with issues such as setting up a new digital device, connecting to the internet, or learning how to use emails and other communication products. Also, as part of their digital exclusion work with Vodaphone, We Are Digital offer free SIM cards with 20GB of data, and 6 months of free calls and texts, available to those who are digitally excluded, in need, or on a low income. In partnership with HM Courts & Tribunal Service, We Are Digital are also offering a support line service to assist individuals who do not have the digital skills to fill out forms online independently.
Naturally Talented Me
From individuals using our free profiling tool to our affordable commercial products designed to support a wide range of employers, community groups, education, regional councils/LEPs and employability and careers initiatives. We have a whole range of services that will support everyone’s needs.
Princes Trust
If you’re 16 to 30 and want to gain experience, skills, training and confidence to help you into work, you’ve come to the right place.
Waythrough
We’re trying to do something that’s not been done before: break down the barriers between substance use, mental health and other services, at scale. Be part of something special.
Skills for Work with Adult learning
Business, employability, digital skills, Maths, English and ESOL courses for adults. We have seven locations across Surrey, please see our website for details of our six other locations.Â
Step8Up
Step8Up Ltd is an education, training and consulting company with projects in business education, software education, computing, data analytics, business improvement, capital raise workshops and soft skills.Â