South Yorkshire challenged to Go ON and get more out of life online

Thousands of people across South Yorkshire are to get the chance to see how they could get more out of life in 2011, simply by going online.

Go ON Sheffield is taking place throughout January and February and is part of a wider Go ON get more out of life online campaign from Sheffield-based organisation UK online centres. At a national level, the campaign will see tens of thousands of people go into thousands of Go ON events. Sheffield though, is set to be the epicentre of all the activity.

One person who has already benefited from getting online, with a bit of help from UK online centre Heeley Online, is Allen Nicol, 56, from Heeley.

He said: “I’ve worked in a factory for most of my life, so I’d never really touched a computer before. I never thought it was something I’d never be able to do – but I felt I was being left behind. Every time I switched on the television these online addresses kept coming up for more information! A lot of people in my age group are scared of looking stupid, but I decided it was time to give computers a go, and I’m so glad I did. The internet has opened up a whole new world – if you want to know anything it’s right there in front of you.

“I’m definitely getting more out of life online. Computers and the internet keep you up to date with the world, and they keep you young. I go along to the Heeley Online Centre every week and they’re always friendly and helpful – we have a good laugh and theyve shown me how to do things I never dreamed of. I’d encourage anyone in Sheffield to have a go – life is far too short for regrets” Go ON and give it a try.”

There are free sessions taking place across Sheffield, including Heeley and Gleadless Valley – take a look at the full list here – If you have family and friends that could do with some support to get online, please pass on the details – there will be a bunch of friendly staff and volunteers there to help them.

More details can be found on the Digital Region South Yorkshire website.