Where to go in Dorset to get help going online
Find out where you can go in Dorset to get support and advice about using computers and the internet.
This pages lists places across Dorset where existing groups and support is available, but if the below does not suit you, you can request support for yourself or someone else to get help with digital skills. We will match you with one of our Digital Champions in your area.
Request help getting online or volunteer to be a Digital Champion
View a map of IT Support Organisations in Dorset
County wide services:
AbilityNet
IT home support for the disabled with IT helpline and factsheets.
0800 269545
enquiries@abilitynet.org.uk
AbilityNet.org - IT home support for the disabled (opens in a new window)
Your local library
You may find that your local library can offer support and advice. See our libraries pages for more information.
Local libraries often hold computer skills sessions, see Computers and internet access at Dorset Libraries for more information.
Skills & Learning courses
A whole range of courses are run throughout Dorset by Skills & Learning.
Build your confidence with a basic computing course or find out all you need to know about browsing the internet, online banking and shopping, using email and more.
For full course details, please
visit the Skills and Learning website. (opens in a new window)
Online resources:
Barclays Digital Driving Licence (opens in a new window)
BBC Webwise (opens in a new window)
Digital Unite (opens in a new window)
Groups and sessions in specific towns:
B
Blandford
Organisation: DT11 Forum Community Partnership
Service offered: Access to a computer by appointment only
Cost: Free
Contact details:
Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 7ED
01258 489998
office@dt11forum.org.uk
DT11 Forum Community Partnership website (opens in a new window)
Bridport
Organisation: Chancery House Day Centre
Service offered: Coffee morning - Digital Champion support for phones, lap tops and tablets. Every Friday 10am-12 noon
Cost: Contributions only
Contact details:
Chancery House, Chancery Ln, Bridport, Dorset DT6 3JT
01308 423689
monicaburt@sky.com
Broadmayne
Organisation:Silver Surfers
Service offered:Terrified of computing? Don't be! Drop in for a friendly service Thursday mornings 10am - noon
Cost: Free
Contact details:
Broadmayne Village Hall, Cowleaze Road, Broadmayne, Dorset, DT2 8EW
07748 474715
bvhall@outlook.com
Silver Surfers - Broadmayne Village Hall (opens in a new window)
C
Charlton Marshall
Organisation: Charlton Village Hall
Service offered:Drop in sessions run Tuesdays to Thursdays 10.30am - 12.30pm. Help and guidance available
Cost: Donation request
Contact details:
The Church Room, Charlton Marshall, Dorset, DT11 9PF
charltonmarshall@dorset-aptc.gov.uk
D
Dorchester
Organisation: Age UK
Service offered: Basic and Intermediate courses available - please contact the IT Activities Manager
Cost: Please contact for details
Contact details:
Rowan Cottage, 4 Prince of Wales Road, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1PW
01305 269444
info@ageukdorchester.org.uk
Age UK Dorchester website (opens in a new window)
Dorchester
Organisation: Magna Housing
Service offered: Computer/iPad sessions - Digital Champion support available. Every Tuesday 10:30-12noon
Cost: There is no charge to residents, non residents would be asked for a contribution for tea/coffee of approximately 25p.
Contact details: Lubbecke Way, Dorchester, DT1 1QL
07977 175 110
Magna website (opens in a new window)
H
Hazelbury Bryan
Organisation: Age Concern North Dorset
Service offered: Computer & tablet drop in. 2nd and 4th Monday of the every month, 10am to 12 noon. Commencing in February 2017.
Cost: Donations welcome
Contact details: Hazelbury Bryan Village Hall, DT10 2DP
Call Age Concern Office on 01258 475582
I
Ibberton
Organisation: Ibberton and Belchalwell Village Hall
Service offered: Ibberton Open Access Sessions, most Tuesday mornings 10am to 12 noon. Informal drop in for anyone seeking advice and guidance.
Cost: A contribution of £1 per hour (£2 per session)
Contact details:
Ibberton, Dorset, DT11 0EL
01258 818367
ibberton357@btinternet.com
Ibberton Village Hall website (opens in a new window)
L
Lyme
Organisation: Lymenet
Services offered:
- Adult qualifications in Functional skills training (English Maths and IT at various levels)
- Basic introductions to IT, and IT related 'tech' and applications for adult beginners
- One-to-one and small group tuition on business IT (at a charge)
- Job Club (free) including some IT support
- Assisted internet cafe 5 days a week which is free for job search, young people's homework, social housing search
All of our work is highly tailored to the person's needs, we have only small groups, and people can largely work at their own pace.
Contact details:
St Michaels Business Centre
DT7 3DB
01297 444570
peter@lymenet.co.uk
M
Milton Abbas
Organisation: Milton Abbas Computer Cafe
Service offered: Every Thursday 10am to 1pm
Cost: Free
Contact details:
The Reading Rooms, Milton Abbas, Dorset
Jennifer Harrison on 01258 881609
Hrrssnsup@aol.com
Mosterton
Organisation: Mosterton & Surrounding area over 50's Computer Club
Service offered: Weekly club Tuesdays, 9.45am to 11.45am
Cost: £1 per session
Contact details:
The Admiral Hood, Mosterton, Dorset, DT8 3ND
Ella Venning 010308 868834
bagoode2012@gmail.com
S
Shaftesbury
Organisation: Swans Trust
Service offered: Public access to PC's
Mon - Fri: 9.30am to 4pm
Sat: 10.30am to 12.30pm
Help and guidance available
Cost: Free
Contact details:
Swans Yard, High Street, Shaftesbury Dorset, SP7 8JQ
01747 850944
swanstrust@shaftesburydorset.com
Sherborne
Organisation: Skills & Learning Dorset, Bournemouth and Poole
Service offered: Support for the over 60's. Help with computer skills
Tuesday afternoons 2pm - 4pm
Option of bringing your own laptop if you have one.
Cost: £2.40 for each two week session
Contact details:
Sherborne Library, Digby Hall, Cheap St, Sherborne
Skills and Learning on 01202 262300
Sherborne and Yeovil
Organisation: Anne King
Service offered: Learn how to use your iPad from an experienced and patient tutor, suitable for all ages and abilities.
Cost: Lessons prices start from £20/hour and lessons can be shared.
Contact details:
Anne King on 01935 872470
ipadery@icloud.com
iPadery - iPad Lessons (opens in a new window)
Stalbridge
Organisation: Age Concern North Dorset
Service offered: Computer & tablet drop in every Tuesday morning 9.30am to 12 noon.
Cost: Donations welcome
Contact details:
Stalbridge Hub, Station Road, Stalbridge, DT10 2RG
Tel 01963 364177
Sturminster Marshall
Organisation: Mackrell Charity
Service offered: Drop in on Wednesday mornings (free) or come to out 2 hour class on a Thursday afternoon (£3)
Contact details:
Terry Standing
terrystanding@btopenworld.com
The Mackrell Charity (opens in a new window)
Sturminster Newton
Organisation: Age Concern North Dorset
Service offered: We arrange introductory courses and solve IT related problems; home visits possible
Cost: Donation request
Contact details:
Sturminster House, Bath Road, Sturminster Newton, Dorset, DT10 1AS
01258 475582
ac.northdorset@surfwise.co.uk
Age Concern North Dorset website (opens in a new window)
Sturminster Newton
Organisation: Age Concern/Spectrum Housing
Service offered: The drop in hub offer's a repair service for laptops & PC's
Monday 9.30am - 12 noon
Cost: Free
Contact: Sturminster Newton Library
sturminsternewtonlibrary@dorsetcc.gov.uk
01258 472669
Full details for Sturminster Newton Library
Sturminster Newton
Organisation: Sturminster Newton Community Learning Centre
Service offered: Monday 9:30am to 12:30pm and Wednesday 9:30am to 4:30pm - support available
Cost: Donation request
Contact details:
Lydden Room, The Exchange, Old Market Hill, Sturminster Newton, Dorset, DT10 1QU
01258 475272 - Wednesdays only
snclc@btconnect.com
Sturminster Newton Community Learning Centre website (opens in a new window)
W
Wareham
Organisation: Wareham Library
Service offered: 30 minute drop-in sessions to brush up on your computer skills. Every Monday 2:30pm - 4:30pm
Cost: Free
Contact: Wareham Library
Weymouth
Organisation: Weymouth Community Volunteers
Service offered: IT Suite available 10am to 12 noon, or 1pm to 3pm. Tutor support available Mon - Thurs.
Free PC Maintenance Course
Tuesday 10.30am - 12.30pm
Cost: Free
Contact details:
17a Cambridge Road, Granby, Weymouth, Dorset
01305 830255
info@wcv.org.uk
Weymouth Community Volunteers website (opens in a new window)
Weymouth
Organisation: Wyke Regis Library
Service offered: 30 minute drop-in sessions to brush up on your computer skills. Every Wednesday 2pm - 4pm
Cost: Free
Contact: Wyke Regis Library
Wimborne
Organisation: East Dorset Heritage Trust
Service offered: Welcome Online - a relaxed volunteer led introduction to using the internet and gaining basic computer skills. Further beginners courses for computing, internet, email, Facebook, eBay and Windows also available.
Cost: First session free
Contact details:
Allendale House, Hanham Road, Wimborne, BH21 1AS
info@edht.org.uk
East Dorset Heritage Trust website (opens in a new window)
Winfrith Newburgh
Organisation: Winfrith Newburgh Village Hall
Service offered: Monthly drop in sessions to brush up on your computer skills. 10am - 12 noon on the first Saturday of each month (5 March, 2 April and 7 May are currently planned)
Cost: Free
Can you add my organisation to your list?
If you work for an organisation in Dorset where help is available for people trying to get online or brush up on their digital skills, please tell us your details and we will add them to our list:
- Help getting online
Ask for help getting online for yourself or for someone else or volunteer to become a Digital Champion.
