Riverside has teamed up with local residents groups and KC to establish two new Online Centres in North Bransholme.

Llocated at the offices of United Residents of Bransholme Area North (URBaN) in Appin Close, and at Bridges Hull at the Pennine Rambler in Pennine Way it is hoped that these new online centres help residents get connected.

Both groups have been given computers and laptops for use by tenants who are not online at home but would like more opportunity to use the Internet.

Residents can use the equipment free of charge. Following a recent training day attended by five online centre volunteers, advice and guidance on using the internet is also available at the centres for those who need it.

Dave Daniels, one volunteer said “I found the training really informative and can’t wait to get started”.

Dawn Lanham, Riverside’s Employment & Training Team Leader said “We are extremely excited to get these centres up and running and to be able to give those tenant who aren’t online yet the chance to use the internet without having to travel for miles or queue at the library.

“It will make it easier for residents to look for jobs, save money by shopping around, pursue hobbies and generally stay in touch with friends and family”

The URBaN online centre in Appin Close is open now on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 am to 12 noon, while the centre at the Pennine Rambler will open in the summer.

Brendon Smurthwaite, KC’s community coordinator, said: “Two of the biggest barriers to getting online are lack of equipment and not having the skills or confidence to take the first steps.

 “We hope the computers and internet access we’re providing in partnership with Riverside will help more local people make the most of all the benefits of being online.”

Riverside and KC have also teamed up to offer North Bransholme tenants an exclusive opportunity to get the internet at home for just £19.99 a month, including line rental and a free wireless router. The service comes with a capped monthly usage allowance of 10GB so there is no risk of extra usage costs. To find out more, call KC on 01482 60274.