Wales Office

Sheerness played host to Welsh Secretary and Minister for Digital Inclusion Paul Murphy who visited the town yesterday on his first ever trip to a UK online centre.

Derek Wyatt, MP for Sittingbourne and Sheppey, took the Minister along to see the 1^st Byte @ Sheerness centre on Hope Street. The centre, like 6,000 other UK online centres across England, helps local people get to grips with computers and the internet.

Paul Murphy chatted with visitors about their experiences, and met with Centre Manager Clive Elliott and Head of Delivery at UK online centres Rob Tate to discuss local and national digital inclusion issues.

Mr Murphy said: “Computers and the internet can open up whole new worlds, and getting the skills and support to use them at places like UK online centres really can change lives for the better. I saw that first hand today at 1^st Byte, and it was a real pleasure to meet some of the people learning to use and make the most of technology there. Whether you just want to send an email, find benefits information online or learn how to set up a spreadsheet, Clive and his team can help. 1^st Byte is a great resource for Sheerness, and a great introduction to what happens in UK online centres around the country.”

Derek Wyatt added: “The fact is that if you’re not using computers and the internet, you’re missing out on all sorts of opportunities, savings, information and conveniences. Getting connected and learning about technology is vital for every individual, for the local community and for society and the economy as a whole. I’m delighted that as Secretary of State with responsibility for Digital Inclusion, Paul Murphy could come and see it in action in Sheerness.”

Rob Tate, Head of Delivery at UK online centres, added: “There’s still a staggering third of the adults in this country who don’t use the internet - we’ve got to bridge the ‘digital divide’ so everyone gets the chance to keep learning, and keep up with the times. Paul Murphy MP and his team in Westminster are currently putting together an Action Plan to tackle the issue of digital inclusion, so getting an idea of what’s already going on at ground level was invaluable.”

Centre Manager Clive Elliott had the final word. He said: “It was great to play host to the Minister, and show just what goes on at the 1^st Byte centre. If you’re interested in giving computers and the internet a go, just follow the Minister’s example and pay us a visit! It doesn’t matter if you’re a complete techno-phobe or if you’ve never even touched a computer before, we can help. Come down to the Hope Street Centre or give us a ring on 01795 583675 and have a chat to one of our tutors.”