Learn the basics of the internet

A LEYS-road-based charity has been given a £7500 natural energy boost.

Forres Area Community Trust (FACT) will use the grant from the Berry Burn Community Fund to support a digital online project, free help from volunteers in using internet and digital devices.

FACT development manager Debbie Herron said: "The Forres Online digital inclusion project helps people get online and jobseekers looking for work. It will be for 12 months and will include outreach work in the villages around Forres including Findhorn, Rafford, Dyke and Kinloss.

"The support has enabled us to secure other match-funding for the project from the Corra Foundation and SCVO.

Forres Area Community Trust (FACT) is a development trust formed in 2011 to work for the benefit of the community of the Forres Academy catchment area. It is run by a volunteer board of nine people.

As well as Forres Online, FACT services include Cameron's Champions, Forres Skate Park Initiative, Community Food Larder and Local Development.

Forres Online can help with online issues including social media, using council services, setting up NHS repeat prescriptions and downloading bus or train timetables. Advice is on-hand regarding mobile phones, laptops and tablets.

Drop in sessions are on Tuesdays from 10am-12pm in Forres Job Centre and from 2-4pm in the town hall, and on Fridays from 10am-12pm at the town hall.

Forres Online co-ordinator and tutor, Janice Cooper, also runs classes, such as basic digital skills for job-seekers, and ancestry research for those who want to learn about their family history.

Forres Online roadshows see the project team visiting village halls in the area.

FACT are hiring a Forres Online tutor, a part time role of 13 hours assisting with free drop-in sessions, outreach sessions, evening classes, talks and community digital events.

Email Janice@forresarea.org for more information.