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
Watch an example of Digital Champions in action:
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)
Universal Credit - digital support
Weekly sessions (pdf, 298kb) (opens in a new window) are available for those without the digital skills to manage their Universal Credit online journal.
Groups and sessions in specific towns:
B
Blandford
Where: 1 The Tabernacle, Blandford Forum DT11 7DW
When: Mondays and Thursdays from 2pm to 5pm (30 minute slots)
Session type: Booking required
Contact details: 01258 452075, blandfordlibrary@dorsetcc.gov.uk
Cost: Free
Organisation: Superfast Dorset Digital Champions
C
Charlton Marshall
Where: The Close, Charlton Marshall, Blandford DT11 9NF
When: Tuesdays to Thursdays, 10.30am to 12.30pm
Session type: Drop-in. No booking
Contact details: 01258 480020, cmonlinecentre@gmail.com
Cost: Donations only
Organisation: Charlton Marshall Online Centre
Christchurch
Where: Somerford ARC, BH23 3EH
When: Wednesdays 2pm to 4pm
Session type: Booking required
Contact details: Lydia on 01202 470770, info@somerfordarc.com
Cost: Free
Organisation: Superfast Dorset Digital Champions
Corfe Mullen
Where: Corfe Mullen Library
When: Mondays (term time only) 2pm to 4pm
Session type: Booking required
Contact details: Jessica on 01202 659755, corfemullenlibrary@dorsetcc.gov.uk
Cost: Free
Organisation: Superfast Dorset Digital Champions
D
Dorchester
Where: Rowan Cottage, 4 Prince of Wales Road, Dorchester DT1 1PW
When: Monday to Friday, book between 9.30am and 4.30pm
Session type: Booking required, one-to-one and home sessions
Contact details: 01305 269444, gmason@ageukdorchester.onmicrosoft.com
Cost: £15 per hour or £25 for iPad set up
Organisation: Age UK
Dorchester
Where: Magna Housing, DT2
When: Tuesdays 10am to noon
Session type: Drop-in. No booking
Contact details: pdsaustin@gmail.com
Cost: Free
Organisation: Superfast Dorset Digital Champions
Dorchester
Where: Dorchester Library, DT1 1EE
When: Every Thursday 2pm to 3.30pm
Session type: Booking required
Contact details: Francesca Roper on 01305 762417, dorchesterlibrary@dorsetcc.gov.uk
Cost: Free
Organisation: Superfast Dorset Digital Champions
Dorchester
Where: Dorchester Library, DT1 1EE
When: Every Tuesday 9.30am to 11am and every Wednesday 10am to 12.30pm
Session type: Digital skills to manage Universal Credit online journal. Drop-in
Contact details: 01305 221048
Cost: Free
Organisation: Superfast Dorset Digital Champions
G
Gillingham
Where: Gillingham Library, SP8 4UA
When: Saturdays 10am to 1pm and Tuesdays 10am to noon
Session type: Drop-in. No booking
Contact details: Susan on 01747 822180, gillinghamlibrary@dorsetcc.gov.uk
Cost: Free
Organisation: Superfast Dorset Digital Champions
H
Hazelbury Bryan
Where: The Exchange, Sturminster Newton DT10 1FH
When: Mondays 9.30am to 12.30pm
Session type: Drop-in. No booking
Contact details: Age Concern Office on 01258 475582
Cost: Donations welcome
Organisation: Age Concern North Dorset
Highcliffe
Where: Highcliffe Library, BH23 5HE
When: Tuesdays 10am to 12:45pm
Session type: Booking required. Drop-in sessions
Contact details: Kathy on 01425 272202, highcliffelibrary@dorsetcc.gov.uk
Cost: Free
Organisation: Superfast Dorset Digital Champions
I
Ibberton
Organisation: Ibberton and Belchalwell Village Hall
When: Tuesdays 10am to noon
Session type: Drop-in. No booking
Contact details: John James on 01258 817260, ibvh@jamesfamily.vispa.com
Cost: Minimum £1/hour
Organisation: Ibberton & Belchalwell Village Hall Computer Group
L
Lyme
Where: Lyme Regis Library, Silver Street DT7 3HR
When:
10am to 1pm Monday
10am to 1.30pm Tuesday
10am to 1.30pm Wednesday
10am to 3pm Thursday
10am to 1.30pm Friday
Session type: Drop-in. Only book to make sure a particular slot is reserved.
Contact details: 01297 444570, admin@lrdt.co.uk
Cost: Free
Organisation: LymeNet
Lytchett Matravers
Where: Lytchett Matravers Library, BH16 6BN
When: Fridays 2pm to 4pm
Session type: Booking required
Contact details: Susan Thomas on 01202 621281, lytchettmatraverslibrary@dorsetcc.gov.uk
Cost: Free
Organisation: Superfast Dorset Digital Champions
M
Milton Abbas
Where: The Reading Rooms, Milton Abbas, Dorset
When: Thursdays 10am to 1pm
Session type: Drop-in. No booking. One-to-one training available
Contact details: Jennifer Harrison on 01258 881609, Hrrssnsup@aol.com
Cost: Free
Organisation: Milton Abbas Computer Cafe
Mosterton
Where: The Admiral Hood, Mosterton, Dorset, DT8 3ND
When: Tuesdays, 9.45am to 11.45am
Contact details: Ella Venning on 01308 868834, bagoode2012@gmail.com
Cost: £1 per session
Organisation: Mosterton & Surrounding Area Over 50s Computer Club
P
Portland
Where: Outpost, DT5 1LY
When: Wednesdays 10am to 1pm
Session type: Booking required. Drop-in sessions
Contact details: Isobel Pike on 07776 477089, isobel.pike@aster.co.uk
Cost: Free
Organisation: Superfast Dorset Digital Champions
Portland
Where: Outpost, DT5 1LY
When: Every Wednesday 10am to 12.30pm
Session type: Digital skills to manage Universal Credit online journal. Drop-in
Contact details: 01305 221048
Cost: Free
Organisation: Superfast Dorset Digital Champions
S
Stalbridge
Where: Stalbridge Hub, DT10 2AG
When: Fortnightly session, Tuesdays 9.30am to noon
Session type: Drop-in. No booking
Contact details: Age Concern Office on 01258475582
Cost: Donations welcome
Organisation: Age Concern North Dorset
Sturminster Newton
Where: Stour View Day Centre, Bath Road DT10 1DR
When: Call to ask
Session type: Drop-in, seminars & personal sessions
Contact details: info@acnorthdorset.org.uk
Cost: Donation request
Organisation: Age Concern North Dorset
Sturminster Newton
Where: Community Centre, Exchange DT10 1QU
When: Mondays 9.30am to 12.30pm and Wednesdays 9.30am to 4.30pm
Session type: Drop-in, seminars and personal sessions
Contact details: 01258 860905, snclc@btconnect.com
Cost: Free
Organisation: Superfast Dorset Digital Champions
Swanage
Where: Swanage Library, BH19 1HZ
When: Mondays 2.30pm to 4pm
Session type: Booking required
Contact details: Jude on 01929 423485, swanagelibrary@dorsetcc.gov.uk
Cost: Free
Organisation: Superfast Dorset Digital Champions
V
Verwood
Where: Verwood Library, BH31 6DS
When: Fridays 11am to 12.30pm
Session type: Booking required
Contact details: James Prince on 01202 822972, james.prince@dorsetcc.gov.uk
Cost: Free
Organisation: Superfast Dorset Digital Champions
W
West Moors
Where: West Moors Library, BH22 0JD
When: 2nd & 4th Friday, 10am to 12.30pm
Session type: Booking required
Contact details: Angela on 01202 873272, westmoors_library@dorsetcc.gov.uk
Cost: Free
Organisation: Superfast Dorset Digital Champions
Weymouth
Where: Littlemoor Library, DT3 6SF
When: Tuesdays 2.30pm to 4.30pm
Session type: Booking required
Contact details: Pauline Jessett on 01305 812350, littlemoorlibrary@dorsetcc.gov.uk
Cost: Free
Organisation: Superfast Dorset Digital Champions
Weymouth
Where: 17a Cambridge Road, Granby, Weymouth, Dorset
When: IT suite available 10am to noon, or 1pm to 3pm. Tutor support available Monday to Thursday
Session Type: Free PC Maintenance Course
Contact details: 01305 830255, info@wcv.org.uk
Cost: Free
Organisation: Weymouth Community Volunteers
Weymouth
Where: Wyke Regis Library, Portland Road, Wyke Regis DT4 9BE
When: Wednesdays, 11.45am to 12.45am (half hour sessions)
Session type: Booking required
Contact details: 01305 760191, wykeregislibrary@dorsetcc.gov.uk
Cost: Free
Organisation: Superfast Dorset Digital Champions
Weymouth
Where: Weymouth Library, DT4 8NN
When: Tuesdays 10am to noon
Session type: Booking required
Contact details: Sharon Mitchell on 01305 762410, weymouthlibrary@dorsetcc.gov.uk
Cost: Free
Organisation: Superfast Dorset Digital Champions
Weymouth
Where: Weymouth Library, DT4 8NN
When: Every Wednesday 10am to 12.30pm
Session type: Digital skills to manage Universal Credit online journal. Book at the library
Contact details: 01305 221048
Cost: Free
Organisation: Superfast Dorset Digital Champions
Weymouth
Where: Weymouth Job Centre, Westwey House, Westwey Road DT4 8TG
When: Every Thursday 10am to 12.30pm
Session type: Digital skills to manage Universal Credit online journal. Drop-in
Contact details: 01305 221048
Cost: Free
Organisation: Superfast Dorset Digital Champions
Weymouth
Where: Railway End, Waverley Road, Weymouth, DT3 5HL
When: Every day, 9.30am to 4.30pm
Session type: Booking is required only to make sure there are available computers
Contact details: 01305 779217, enquiries@best2train.co.uk
Cost: Depends on circumstances. Send email or call to find out
Organisation: Best Training Weymouth
Wimborne
Where: Allendale House, Hanham Road BH21 1AS
When: Look in the brochure on the website as the times can and do change. Mainly Tuesday drop-ins
Monday: Beginners
Tuesday: Updating
Wednesday: One to one
Thursday: Updating
Session type: Both booking and drop-in
Contact details: 01202888992, info@edht.org.uk
Cost: Ring to get a quote or go on the website - East Dorset Heritage Trust website(opens in a new window)
Organisation: East Dorset Heritage Trust
Winfrith Newburgh
Where: Winfith Newburgh Village Hall, DT2 8JW
When: When asked, usually Saturday 10am to noon
Session type: Drop-in. No booking
Contact details: Pat Yonwin, patricia.yonwin@btinternet.com
Cost: Free
Organisation: Superfast Dorset Digital Champions
Wool
Where: Wool Library, BH20 6DL
When: Not regular days, contact the library 5pm to 6pm
Session type: Drop-in. No booking
Contact details: 01929 405259, contact@woolcommunitylibrary.org
Cost: Free
Organisation: Superfast Dorset Digital Champions
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.
