Community Groups and Residents Digital Support

Are you a Bury resident or part of community group looking for digital support? If so, then you are in the right place to find out all you need to know about digital skills and connectivity support available to residents and community groups in Bury.

Here at Bury Council we aim to support you and provide you with tools to feel confident using modern technology and assist you with your digital development and progress. We can help you with things that:

• you have to do – such as paying bills online, applying for housing, claiming benefits and Universal Credit, looking and applying for jobs or studying to further your career.
• you want to do - such as looking for cheaper energy deals, car and home insurance and broadband deals which may be only available online.
• you like to do - such as online shopping, booking holidays online, researching family history, or keeping in touch with friends and family by email and social media.

Below you will find all you need to know about Bury’s digital support offer for residents and community groups in our local authority.

What are the Digital Support Drop-Ins for Residents?

In our Digital Support Drop-Ins we work closely with local community groups and charities to deliver free digital skills support to residents in places where they frequently attend and feel most comfortable in a supportive environment.

The sessions usually happen on set days once or twice a week for couple of hours and are run and supported by our fantastic Digital Buddy volunteer network, who offer 1:1 support. The drop-in style sessions are informal and flexible style workshops which residents can attend without prior appointments.

To find out your nearest drop-in session location and schedule a visit go to Digital Inclusion map, or view the timetables below.

Are you looking for learning in a classroom setting or online at home? Then visit digital skills learning courses page to find out more.

Digital Support Drop-Ins Timetable

Mondays

• Age UK Bury hosted by Sovereign House GH, The Jubilee Centre, Mosley Avenue, Bury, BL9 6NJ, Time: 10 am to 12 noon
• Ingeus Bury Neighbourhub, Mill Gate Shopping Centre, Bury, BL9 0QQ (opposite the toilets), Time: 12.30 pm to 2 pm

Tuesdays

• Bolton Road Methodist Church hosted by HMR Circle, Bolton Road, Bury, BL8 2NZ, Time 10.30 am to 11.30 am
• The Green Community Café hosted by Sovereign House GH, Clarence Park, Walmersley Road, Bury, BL9 5DH, Time: 10am to 12pm
• Every 1st Tuesday of the month Church Lane Community Centre hosted by HMR Circle, 38 Church Lane, Prestwich, M25 1AJ, Time: 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm

Wednesdays

• Bridge Community Church, 10 Milltown Street, Radcliffe, M26 1WD, Time: 10am to 12pm
• Every 1st Wednesday of the month St. Andrews C of E Church hosted by Onward Homes, Ribble Drive, Whitefield, Manchester M45 8NA, Time: 12:00 noon to 14:30 pm

Thursdays

• The Eagles Wing, The United Reformed Church, Parsons Lane, Bury, BL9 0LY, Time: 10 am to 12 noon (temporarily paused)
• The Tottington Centre hosted by HMR Circle, Market St, Tottington, Bury, BL8 3LL, Time: 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm
• Greenmount Old School Community Centre hosted by HMR Circle, Brandlesholme Road, BL8 4DS, Time: 1.45pm to 2.45pm

Fridays

• The Polish Social Centre (Red Cross) hosted by Sovereign House GH, East Street, Bury BL9 0RU, Time: 10 am to 12 noon (paused during Summer and will resume in September)

Libraries Digital Buddy Sessions

These sessions are ideal for those looking to improve their digital skills or seeking personalised assistance with technology related questions. Help is available from:

• Ramsbottom Library: Tuesdays from 2 pm to 4 pm
• Radcliffe Library: Tuesdays from 10 am to 12 pm
• Prestwich Library (temporarily at the Phoenix Centre, St Mary's Park): Tuesdays & Wednesdays from 10 am to 12 pm and Thursdays from 12.30 pm to 2.30 pm
• Bury Library: Thursdays from 12.30 pm to 3.30 pm

Contact your local library to book a 1:1 appointment.

Resident Support Hubs

Bury Council staff are available at Resident Support Hubs to support residents with council tax issues, housing benefits, housing rents, income maximisation, help to claim benefits including PIP and adult social care bills. They can help residents navigate digital forms and provide computers for residents to use whilst there.

• Bury Town Hall, Knowsley Street, BL9 0ST, Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm
• Radcliffe Primary Care Centre, 69 Church Street, M26 2SP, Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm
• Second Friday of every month, Growing Together Radcliffe, Westminster Avenue, M26 3WD, 10am to 12pm
• Chesham Fold Family Hub, 89 Chesham Fold Road, BL9 6JZ, Wednesday, 9am to 12pm

In-Work Progression Team

If you are in-work and need some digital support in order to progress in your current role, increase your hours or find alternative work, you can self-refer to the In-Work Progression Team at progressioninwork@bury.gov.uk.

The service provides personalised, one-to-one employment advice and support to help residents overcome practical barriers to progress into better quality or better paid roles, either with the same or a different employer/sector. They can also help you access digital support, such as a device or digital skills course, as part of their offer.

The service can be accessed by anyone who:

• Is over the age of 18
• Lives or works in Greater Manchester
• Has the right to live and work in the UK

AND is one or more of the following categories:

• In low paid work;
• Claiming an In Work benefit (tax credits, Universal Credit)
• In low skilled work
• In insecure work or on a zero hours contract

More information can also be found at this webpage: Greater Manchester In Work Progression Service - Bury Council (opens in a new tab).

Do You Need Help With Connectivity?

The increase in the cost of living in the UK has impacted many aspects of individual lives including housing, transportation, food, utilities, and general expenses. When it comes to Internet and mobile data, many find themselves cutting back on Wi-Fi and mobile phone bills.

Below you can find a list of budget friendly and saving tools for Wi-Fi and mobile connection to help you get online.

Free SIM Cards and Data

In partnership with National and GM Databank, Bury libraries and community centres, who have signed up to the scheme, can gift free SIM cards, pre-loaded with mobile data, free minutes and calls to residents 18+ who need them. The cards last between 6 months to a year and the amount of mobile data varies between different network providers.

To find your nearest GM Databank visit National Digital Inclusion Network Map for England or Bury’s Digital Inclusion Map or GMCA Digital Skills Map to find your nearest Databank across Greater Manchester. 

If you are a community organiser and you would like to join the National Databank Network provided by Good Things Foundation, visit the Good Things Foundation website or email digitalsupport@bury.gov.uk to find out more.

Affordable Wi-Fi Tariffs

Social tariffs are discounted broadband plans available to individuals receiving specific benefits, including Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payments (PIP), and Pension Credit. 

Below you can find links to affordable Wi-Fi tariffs for your household.

• Ofcom Social tariffs: Cheaper broadband and phone packages.
• 4th Utility social tariff plan: Affordable broadband to every home.
• Compare Social Tariffs | Compare Broadband

Are You a Non-profit Organisation Who Needs Digital Support or Wants to Help Residents Access Digital Support?

AbilityNet

Offers a range of free services designed to help organisations, staff, volunteers and residents build digital confidence and make the most of technology.

Please see their website for more details, available at this link here: https://abilitynet.org.uk/  

Their helpline is available at 0300 180 0028. It is open 9-5 Monday to Friday, except Thursdays when it's open 12-5.

Digital Ninja Training 

This is aimed at staff and volunteers who support people in their communities with technology. Delivered primarily online, the sessions focus on practical approaches, confidence-building techniques and tips for supporting people with a wide range of digital needs. In-person training may be available where resources allow.

Digital Voice Support 

Provides training for organisations on how to support residents through the change from traditional landlines to Digital Voice services. Support is also available for small groups and individuals, with escalation routes into major telecoms providers for those requiring additional assistance.

Free Home IT Support

Is available for residents who need help using technology at home. Volunteers can help with a range of issues, including setting up devices, getting online and improving digital confidence. Individuals can self-refer for a home visit or be referred by a support worker. 

Referrals can be made by phoning 0300 180 0028 (open 9-5 Monday to Friday, except Thursday open 12-5) or online at this link: https://abilitynet.org.uk/free-tech-support-and-info/request-free-it-support-home#home-visit-request  

Barclays

Free Workshops

Barclays offers a range of free workshops that they can deliver to community groups, school groups, charities and more.

Topics available include:

• Budgeting and managing money
• Financial wellbeing and financial literacy
• Building savings habits
• Understanding mortgages and renting
• Fraud and scam awareness
• Online privacy and staying safe online
• Understanding money mules and financial crime
• Cost of living support
• CV writing and interview preparation
• Building self-confidence and proactive behaviours

To enquire about arranging a workshop, please email digitalsupport@bury.gov.uk.

LifeSkills Platform

Organisations and residents can also access a wide range of free self-led learning through the Barclays LifeSkills platform, which provides practical tools, guides and activities to support financial capability, employability and personal development.

To access the platform, click this link here: https://barclayslifeskills.com/.

Events

Barclays are available to support community-based events by attending to provide advice on budgeting and managing money, fraud and scam awareness and many other topics.

Please contact digitalsupport@bury.gov.uk if you would like to enquire about Barclays attending an event. 

Digital Support Resources for Non-Profit Organisations 

Bury VCFA Digital Toolkit - This online toolkit aims to consolidate the common topic areas frequently inquired about by non-profit organisations and to direct users to some of the best resources available, produced by a variety of charities, tech organisations, and volunteers.

Microsoft 365 for Nonprofits - Discover how Microsoft 365 with Microsoft Teams can enhance your nonprofit by improving cybersecurity, reducing costs, and enabling staff and volunteers to work from anywhere.

Sky Up Digital Hubs – Sky Up programme partners with local community organisations to support the most underserved areas with digital upskilling and Wi-Fi provision.

Virgin Media O2 Connected More Digital Skills Programme - Virgin Media O2 Business’ Connect More programme is delivered by their staff volunteers who share their time to build digital skills and confidence, working alongside public sector customers and community organisations.

Google for Nonprofits - Google for Nonprofits provides eligible charities with free access to Google tools like Google Workspace for professional collaboration, YouTube features for fundraising, £7,700 per month in Google Ad Grants, and mapping tools to visualise projects. These resources help nonprofits increase visibility, engage with communities, and operate more effectively.

Henshaws – They are a charity dedicated to supporting individuals with sight loss and other disabilities. They provide advice, training, and support for those with visual impairments, including support with special educational needs, arts and crafts, sports and digital support.

Manchester Deaf Centre – Their aim is to empower and include deaf individuals by enhancing communication and providing essential services, including digital skills, British Sign Language (BSL) courses, employment support, social activities, health and social care advocacy, and services for children and young people.

Looking for accessible devices? Visit GARI to find mobile phones, tablets, mobile apps, wearables and Smart TVs with accessibility features to suit everyone's needs. 

Digital Inclusion Map

In this map you will be able to find your nearest library, community centre offering digital support, Adult Learning or Bury College classes, GM Databank locations and free Wi-Fi spots.

There are also over 60 free Wi-Fi hotspots in Bury which can be found in this free Wi-Fi Hotspots map tool.

For more information or questions about Bury’s digital inclusion offer, please email us at digitalsupport@bury.gov.uk.