News

Residents urged to log-on to free internet training ahead of benefit changes

Social housing residents across the West Midlands are being encouraged to sign up to free internet training sessions in a bid to prepare them for the changes to benefits.

The Accord Group, which provides more than 11,000 homes in the Midlands, is running the workshops for residents who will be affected by the reforms, which come into effect in April.

The changes being rolled out by the Government will affect anyone aged 16-61 who claims benefits, and importantly it is expected that people will have to make and update their claims online.

To help people to do this and to get to grips with the internet, the Accord Group will host the first raft of a number of informal and interactive workshops throughout January and February.

Open to all residents regardless of their age or experience, the classes will provide a taste of using the web to do everything from manage money to apply for jobs or training.

Louise Creswick, Resident Engagement Manager for the Accord Group, said: “Being able to navigate the internet successfully and with confidence will become increasingly important to our customers.

“Residents who receive benefits will be expected to manage their claims online for the first time from next year, so it’s vital that they are equipped with the right skills to do this.

“Our free workshops will help people to do this and find out about all the other benefits that using the internet can bring, such as searching and applying for jobs or finding out about local services in their areas.”

The free computer training sessions will take place on:

• Tuesday, 15 January 2013 at Moseley and District, 106 Alcester Road, Moseley, Birmingham, from 9.30am-11.30am
• Tuesday, 22 January 2013 at Fairview Court, 1 Broad Lane, Bloxwich, Walsall, from 9.30am-11.30am
• Friday, 8 February 2013 at Carpenter Place, 103 Oldfield Road, Sparkbrook, Birmingham, 9.30am-11.30am
• Friday, 8 February 2013 at Annand House, 37 Hickman Road, Sparkbrook, Birmingham, 12.30pm-2.30pm.

Other sessions are planned throughout the year and the Accord Group’s mobile office, the Buzz, will also be visiting estates and neighbourhoods to deliver workshops.

To book a place on a workshop, or for more information, residents can call the Accord Group’s Resident Engagement team on 0300 111 7000 extension 2067/2064 or email reteam@accordgroup.org.uk

The Accord Group is one of the largest housing associations in the West Midlands, providing 11,000 homes and a range of services to about 50,000 people.