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Free digital literacy classes can help people get up to speed with their computer skills.

Classes which teach people how to use the internet or Microsoft Office are available in New Tredegar and Bargoed libraries.

Sessions also usually take place in Rhymney and will resume once the library’s refurbishment is complete. 

Deborah Biggs, 63, who is the tutor for basic skills told Caerphilly Observer more about the classes. 

“They’re for everybody,” she said, “whatever level [people] are, they can come in.”

The courses are free and students can turn up on the day, enrol and have an informal chat about what they want to learn. 

Students complete assessments which go towards qualifications with awarding body, Agored Cymru. 

Deborah continued: “Everybody more or less gains a qualification because it’s assessment based”. 

This could be for personal development or work progression. “It upskills them,” Deborah added. 

Classes like these can help combat digital exclusion, which sees people struggling to access the online world due to a mix of affordability, accessibility and ability. 

According to research conducted by Ofcom, digital exclusion is more likely to affect older people, those who are not working, financially vulnerable and those who live with a condition that impairs their communication. 

There are other benefits too. 

“It’s a nice social morning,” said Deborah, “we have a chat we have a laugh”.

Digital literacy classes run in New Tredegar Library from 10.45am to 12.45pm every Thursday and in Bargoed Library on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 2pm to 4pm and on Thursdays from 11am to 1pm.