Improve your digital skills

Request digital support

If you need help getting online or using your phone, tablet or laptop then you might benefit from some support. We currently offer face to face support on Tuesday afternoons 2-5 at Hackney Service Centre and hope to provide this service in community venues in the near future. We can help with:

  • WhatsApp
  • Zoom
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • Texting
  • Basic controls on a phone or tablet
  • Managing data
  • Connecting to wifi or printer

If you’re interested in requesting support then complete our simple form or ask someone to complete it for you. We will arrange for you to attend a session.

Alternatively, if you have a disability then you can ask for similar one-to-one buddy support from AbilityNet’s ITCanHelp service.

Scan a QR code

A QR code is that black and white icon that looks a bit like a barcode. You might have seen them on our letters. They offer a quick way to access a website or menu rather than having to remember and type in a web address. You simply scan the QR code with your phone’s camera.

This video will show you how to scan and use QR codes on your phone. There is a transcript for you to read when watching the video.

Search the Internet

We created a video on YouTube to show you how to search for something on the internet. We’re searching for ‘how to create a Gmail account’ as the example.

The example uses a phone but it’s very similar on a tablet. A laptop may differ slightly.

There is a transcript for you to read when watching the video.

Use email

Many companies give you a free email account.

The following videos take you through the steps to set up and use Gmail. To do this, you need a Google (or Gmail) account. First tap or click Create a Gmail account to begin on the same page as the video starts.

The example uses a phone but it is very similar on a tablet. A laptop may differ slightly.

Create a Gmail account

There is a transcript for you to read when watching the video.

Access your Gmail account

There is a transcript for you to read when watching the video.

Read an email with Gmail

There is a transcript for you to read when watching the video.

Send an email with Gmail

There is a transcript for you to read when watching the video.

Join a meeting or event on Google Meet

If someone’s invited you to a meeting or event hosted on Google Meet then you might want to watch this short video explaining how to join it.

There is a transcript for you to read when watching the video.

Translate a website into another language

Google Chrome can quickly translate a website into another language on a phone, tablet or laptop. This video will show you how.

If you are looking at a Google doc then you can translate it by going to Tools in the menu at the top of the page and selecting Translate document.

There is a transcript for you to read when watching the video.

Find support services near you

This video shows you how to navigate your way around our Find Support Services to identify voluntary and community organisations that can help you with your particular issue.

There is a transcript for you to read when watching the video.

Further digital skills training

  • If you’re ready to try a more structured IT course then Hackney runs online tutorials via Zoom in a variety of tools and software.
  • Groundwork London runs a six week course Silver Connections – Making the Most of your Mobile for people aged 50+.
  • Make it click runs online courses for people who want to develop their digital skills, principally focussing on tools used at work.
  • Array of online lessons from Learn my way covering the basics up to looking for a job or managing your money online. Audio available.
  • If your organisation is looking to boost its online activities by creating a website, moving into social media or hosting events virtually then see Create a digital presence
Page updated on: 18 October 2022