Online success for Ballymoney learners

Press Release

Date: 29th August 2008

ADULTS with a learning disability in Ballymoney have joined the digital revolution by learning how to use a computer and the internet thanks to a joint venture between EverybodyOnline and Compass Advocacy Network.

Over a series of six-weeks, eight clients and staff from Millbrook Resource Centre, a day care provider for adults with a learning disability in the Ballymoney area, learned the basics of using a computer, word processing and surfing the internet with support from centre staff and EverybodyOnline.

EverybodyOnline, an initiative from UK charity Citizens Online and jointly funded by BT and the Delivery and Innovation Division within the Department of Finance and Personnel, helps people access digital technologies, such as the internet, so they can benefit from the opportunities it has to offer.

The success of the group was celebrated at a special event held at Ballymoney Community Resource Centre today where participants received certificates in recognition of their achievements and new found computer skills.

Speaking at the event, EverybodyOnline Project Officer for learning disability, Mona McGlade, said:

“It was a delight to work with the group. Their commitment and enthusiasm knew no boundaries. No one missed a single training session which is always a positive sign.

“It’s wonderful to see the group using their new skills to communicate and research their hobbies and interests online.”

Delighted with the opportunity to learn new skills and get online, Millbrook Resource Centre client, Carmel Robinson, said:

“The EverybodyOnline sessions were brilliant. I really enjoyed designing posters and using the internet.”

This sentiment was echoed by the other trainees with Ann McIlwaine adding:

“The course was great; I was able to get some information on country music in Northern Ireland from the internet.”

Louise O’Brolaigh, a support worker from the Millbrook Resource Centre, said:

“These classes have been fantastic, enabling people who had never used a computer to learn everything from typing a letter to surfing the internet, opening up a new world to them.

“I would like to thank EverybodyOnline for this opportunity.”

Launched in January 2007, EverybodyOnline helps break down barriers people have to accessing technologies like the internet so they can benefit from everything it has to offer such as keeping in touch, home working and accessing goods and services. Since its launch, EverybodyOnline has introduced over 5,000 people to digital technology and the benefits it brings.

EverybodyOnline is a Northern Ireland wide programme, with five Project Officers working with older people; those with a disability; and people living in Fermanagh South Tyrone and Co Londonderry.

To find out more about EverybodyOnline or if you would like to show others how to use the internet by becoming an EverybodyOnline volunteer, contact EverybodyOnline Project Officer, Mona McGlade, on 07824 327 432 or log on to www.eolni.org.uk.

- Ends -

For further information contact Mona McGlade on:

T: 028 7963 3228

M: 078 2432 7432

E: mona.mcglade@citizensonline.org.uk

For further information log on to www.eolni.org.uk

Notes to editors

About EverybodyOnline

EverybodyOnline is an initiative from the UK charity Citizens Online and is jointly funded by BT and the Delivery and Innovation Division within the Department of Finance and Personnel in Northern Ireland. The first EverybodyOnline pilot project was launched in August 2002 in St Stephen, Cornwall. Since then a total of 21 projects have been set up in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The EverybodyOnline programme in Northern Ireland focuses on working with older people in the community and in residential care, as well as people with a disability. There are also community-based projects in Londonderry / Derry and rural Fermanagh and South Tyrone.

These projects have already made a real difference to their communities, helping people learn new internet skills, set up bespoke community websites and overcome confidence and isolation issues.

For more information log on to: www.eolni.org.uk.

For EverybodyOnline video clips visit: www.youtube.com/everybodyonline

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 31 March 2008, BT Group plc’s revenue was £20,704 million with profit before taxation and specific items of £2,506 million.

British Telecommunications plc (BT) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BT Group 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

About the Department of Finance and Personnel, Delivery and Innovation Division

The Delivery and Innovation Division (DID) in the Department of Finance and Personnel provides a range of specialist business services to the NI Civil Service. Services include:

• e-Government policy

• strategic programmes

• business consultancy

• ICT shared services

DID is an amalgamation of the former e-Government Unit, Business Development Service and Public Service Improvement Unit.

For more information visit www.dpfni.gov.uk