Frome Medical Practice, Frome Town Council and Health Connections Mendip have come together to offer local people the chance to take part in free sessions to help them understand what being 'online' means.

The sessions are open to people who consider themselves to be beginners or not very experienced where being online is concerned. The sessions will look at some of the basics of being online including using email, how to search for information online, how to video call and online shop and how to access government forms. During one of the workshops you will also be helped with signing up to the NHS App, which you can use for many things, including ordering prescriptions, viewing your medical history and checking your COVID-19 vaccination record. Participants will also find out about the wealth of health related information available online.

The sessions are free of charge and will, depending on the government coronavirus guidelines on re-opening, either be individual one-to-one sessions or a group session if there is the demand.

Dr Helen Kingston, Senior Partner at Frome Medical Practice, said, 'We know the value to people of feeling connected and over the last twelve months or so the online world has, for many, been the place where that connection happens. We don't want to replace face-to-face conversations and interactions. But we do want to support people who want to do more online but don't know where to start. These sessions are an ideal way for us to do that."

Anyone who lives in Frome or the surrounding villages is welcome to attend the sessions, which are aimed at online beginners or those who feel inexperienced in getting online. If you're interested in joining in, would like to find out more or want to register your interest in taking part please call Liz or Ruth at Health Connections Mendip on 01373 468368 or email [email protected]

Will Palmer, the Digital Connector, with Health Connections Mendip who will be running the sessions added, "Through my role at the practice I know there are lots of people who need help with getting online. We're asking the local community to share the news of this workshop with relatives, neighbours and friends who might not otherwise hear about it, so we can help as many people as possible."

The project is also seeking input from people who are already digitally aware to support people who are less confident online. Health Connections Mendip runs online monthly courses, which provide information on digital support available in the community that people can be signposted to. To sign up to take part in one of these sessions simply visit the 'Eventbrite' website and look for Digital Community Connector training or visit the Frome Medical Practice website and look under 'events'. In addition, people can be directed to online learning courses at learnmyway.com