Visitors to Handforth Library on Thursday 15th October will be able to do much more than stock up on their favourite reading material.
That is because a string of organisations will be on hand from 10am to 1pm to help people make the most of information technology and access vital services online.
Additionally there will be advice for smokers looking to use the Stoptober campaign to kick the habit and visitors will be able to find out about joining a voluntary group that helps plan health services in Eastern Cheshire.
Timed to coincide with national Get Online Week, the digital inclusion event is being staged by NHS Eastern Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) in partnership with various providers of public and voluntary services.
The line-up features:
- East Cheshire NHS Trust's Kickstart team - online support to stop smoking, face-to-face advice on quitting.
- Handforth Health Centre and Wilmslow Road Health Centre - booking online GP appointments and requesting repeat prescriptions.
- HealthVoice – an independent, voluntary body that advises the CCG on its planning and buying of health services.
- NHS Eastern Cheshire CCG - promoting the NHS Choices website, various apps to help people look after themselves well, and the Choose Well campaign encouraging people to choose the right health service at the right time.
- NHS England – how to access your care record online.
- Peaks & Plains Housing Trust – using social media and Skye to stay in touch with people and reduce loneliness, the benefits of internet shopping, introducing an app to enable tenants to manage their accounts online, advising on subsidies, affordable broadband deals and discounted equipment available to people who might struggle to afford a new computer or mobile device, signing up tenants for online training sessions.
- Tinder Foundation - access to online ICT literacy training, advice on availability of discounted ICT equipment.
Dr Ian Hulme, ICT clinical lead for NHS Eastern Cheshire CCG, said: "The event is all about highlighting the wealth of online information that exists about healthy lifestyles and the digital tools that can help them better manage their wellbeing.
"We will also showcase the free short online courses offered by the Tinder Foundation to help people better understand how to use online services, such as those found on their GP practice websites, which allow the ordering of repeat prescriptions and making online bookings as well as accessing their medical records.
"These online services provide people with access to advice and support whether in their home, at work, at libraries or on the go as all can be accessed via smart phones, tablets or on desk top computers."
Laura Foster, digital inclusion officer with Peaks & Plains, explained: "Getting online is a fantastic way for people to save money, access important public services and stay in touch with loved ones. That's why we're delighted to be involved in the digital event on 15 October."
