Minister gets Silver Surfers onto the World Wide Web

Organised by Business in the Community in partnership with the Department of Finance and Personnel and Libraries NI, business volunteers will be on hand to help and provide invaluable advice to those wishing to get to grips with technology and surf the internet with FREE training.

Sammy Wilson said: “I would encourage everyone over 50 to book their place and come along and join in the fun on Friday, May 18.

“My department has been running this event for seven years now, helping Silver Surfers to set up an e-mail account, send e-mails, bank online, access government services through the nidirect website, shop and much, much more. We want to get as many people as possible online and this event is a really effective way of engaging and encouraging those who may feel less comfortable using the internet.

Silver Surfers’ Day is part of our ‘Go ON NI’ campaign which focuses on encouraging as many people as possible to go online, addressing any barriers, promoting the benefits of accessing the Internet, and seeing the convenience of online public services.”

“Hundreds of Silver Surfers have already booked their sessions but we have some more places available,” explains Hilary Hanberry, Business in the Community. “I would urge anyone interested to get in contact with their library right away to avoid disappointment.”

Irene Knox, Chief Executive, Libraries NI, adds: “A record number of almost 70 libraries across Northern Ireland will be taking part by hosting free IT sessions on the day. Our facilities are free, not only on Silver Surfers’ Day but at any time of the year.”

Mrs Henry, a Silver Surfer from Belfast relates her experience from last year: “My grandson and his family live in America and I miss seeing my great-grandchildren. Going to the library last year, I found out how to send them an email and now my granddaughter is helping me learn how to Skype them.’

To book a Silver Surfers’ session contact your local library.

For details of all libraries participating in Silver Surfers’ Day 2012, go to www.librariesni.org.uk

For more information on Silver Surfers’ Day, click online at www.silversurfersni.org.uk or call Hilary Hanberry on (028) 9046 0606.