Getting online / digital skills
If you are registered with Finchley Foodbank and need help getting online using a telephone, tablet or laptop, talk to one of our Digital Champions. They can help you with your emails, search the internet and signpost you to appropriate support about a range of issues including the cost of living.
Free 12 month broadband subscription from Community Fibre
Barnet Council is working with Community Fibre to offer free fibre broadband for 12 months to residents. This scheme has been set up to support Barnet residents who can’t access broadband in their home. To apply go to: www.barnethomes.org/boost/free-12-month-broadband-subscription-from-community-fibre PLEASE check your full address to make sure that Community Fibre is available in your home before completing the form: communityfibre.co.uk/#postcode-search-modal
Improve your digital skills and IT support
There is a range of support including drop ins in libraries across Barnet to improve your digital skills. For the up to date list go to: www.barnet.gov.uk/digital-barnet/digital-skills-support
Five Bells Computer Club - internet guidance and a cuppa in East Finchley
Every Tuesday 2pm-4pm at the Five Bells Pub, East End Road, London N2 0LZ
Just turn up and join in. Look at website five-bells-computer-club.mailchimpsites.com to check term dates, for their “How to guides” and to sign up to receive weekly details: Email: fivebells.computerclub@gmail.com
Free IT support in Colindale
www.barnet.gov.uk/events/free-it-support-colindale
Free digital support, help to complete forms, language translation - Somali/Arabic.
Go to Centre of Excellence, The Concourse, Grahame Park, London NW9 5XB
Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays 9am-5pm
Age UK Barnet - help with your laptop, smartphone or tablet for people 55+
They have a team of volunteers who provide one to one computer tuition to older people at many locations across Barnet. They are happy to guide people through the process of setting themselves up online and keeping connected. Please contact Howard by 📞 07798 622832 or email: howard.chapman@ageukbarnet.org.uk
For the up to date list of Age UK support go to: www.ageuk.org.uk/barnet/activities-and-events/computers-and-technology
Holiday Inn Brent Cross residents ONLY
Digital skills drop in sessions every Wednesday 2 - 4pm No need to book, just turn up!
The Rainbow Centre - Dollis valley Drive, Barnet, EN52UN
Digital skills drop in sessions every first Thursday of the month 9.30am - 12.30pm
No need to book, just turn up! 📞020 8441 8937 email: steveverrall@barnetcp.org.uk
How to stay safe online
Top E-safety Tips to Staying Safe Online Guide
swgfl.org.uk/online-safety/10-online-safety-tips
Victim Support - staying safe online
www.victimsupport.org.uk/help-and-support/keeping-safe/staying-safe-online
Safer Internet: Misinformation - supporting critical thinking
saferinternet.org.uk/online-issue/misinformation
How to detect bank and other scams
www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-DsFRKacRA&t=349s
How to avoid social media fraud
www.getsafeonline.org/personal/articles/social-media-phishing
Keeping children safe online
www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety
Misinformation v disinformation: What’s the difference?
www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/z3hhvj6
Get help fixing a laptop or device
The Restart Project therestartproject.org helps people learn how to repair their broken electronics. Participate in a free community repair event, where volunteer fixers will help you learn how to repair your broken or slow devices - and tackle the growing mountain of e-waste. Go to find an event near you:therestartproject.org/parties
Avoiding scams and fraud
It is perfectly normal to feel worried about scams. Being scammed can be very distressing, and the impact is often emotional as well as financial. Here are some websites to help you.
General advice: stopthinkfraud.campaign.gov.uk
Friends against scams: www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk
Friends Against Scams is a National Trading Standards Scams Team initiative which aims to protect and prevent people from becoming victims of scams by empowering people to take a stand against scams.
Check if a text message you've received from HMRC is genuine:
www.gov.uk/guidance/check-if-a-text-message-youve-received-from-hmrc-is-genuine
Banking scams stopscamsuk.org.uk/campaign/get-help-now
If you think someone is trying to trick you into handing over money or personal details:
Stop, hang up and 📞159 to speak directly to your bank.
159 works in the same way as 101 for the police or 111 for the NHS. It is the number you can trust to get you through to your bank safely and securely, every time.
Age UK: providesinformation and advice to people aged 55+ to help you spot and avoid the latest scams and what to do if you're the victim of a scam. www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/money-legal/scams-fraud/support-for-scam-victims
