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SALTERBECK GETS BROADBAND
 
 

As part of Impact’s commitment to the regeneration of the Salterbeck Estate in Workington, a three-year project is underway to bring Broadband to the digitally excluded.

What is Broadband?

Broadband is a way of getting online, connecting to the Internet or plain and simply being able to look at websites and send electronic mail, without the slowness of normal Internet connections. In addition, there is no limit to the number of computers that can be online at the same time and there are no call charges.

Why are fast downloads important?

Today, the majority of websites are Media Rich. That is, they have large pictures, sound, and animation and even videos built into them. These websites can take 10’s of minutes to download whereas they only takes seconds with Broadband.  

What is available at Salterbeck?
Anyone who has popped into the Oval Centre recently may have noticed a tall man wandering around with a permanent grin. This is Jonathan Sargeant who has joined Impact Housing as the new Broadband Development Officer. Jonathan has over 10 years experience with the Internet and Computers, the last three and a half spent working for an Internet Service Provider.

So, what is Broadband? In a nutshell. it is a faster way of getting online for sending emails and viewing websites on the Internet. This will mean no more slowly loading pictures and will allow residents to have more interaction such as paying bills and even watching pop concerts from the computers.

The Broadband facility was unofficially turned on at the Basic Skills Unit, Coronation Drive and the Oval Centre in Salterbeck at the beginning of October. While the facilities are still being developed, residents are being encouraged to come in and have a look and put their ideas forward.

It is hoped Broadband at the Skills For Life Unit will complement and enhance the great work already going on at Coronation Drive, while Broadband at the Oval Centre will be used to create an Internet Cafe where residents and visitors to the Oval Centre can also surf the net while enjoying a coffee in the Cafe.

Ideas that have already come forward include the production of a calendar by the Gardening Club and the Football Club are keen to post fixtures and results, including match photographs, to the Internet for the whole World to see.

There are now two sites where residents can get free access to the Internet and eMail including free training:

  • The Oval Centre, Salterbeck Drive

  • Basic Skills Unit, Coronation Drive

Opening times are currently restricted whilst the project is being developed, please let us know if these times are not convenient to you as they may well be changed if demand is there:

  • Monday – Friday             9am – 5pm

  • Saturday & Sunday        10am – 3pm

Free training is provided on subjects from how to turn a computer on, to sending eMails, and using a Word Processor to write a letter or a CV. Courses available are online based Learn Direct courses and can be completed at the learners own pace either at home or in the centre.

Future aims of the project include:

  • Development of the community website www.Salterbeck.org.uk

  • Digital Film and Photography – Taking still pictures and making movies to upload to the community website

  • Increase residents computer skills to enable them in the digital world

  • Help out of work residents get back into work through training on CV and letter writing as well as with IT qualifications

  • Webcam link up with similar projects around the country

Feel free to pop in to either site to find out more or contact Jonathan either by phone
 01946 833100 or by e-mail  
 

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