Face to Face Help and Support
Last updated: 16 October 2024
Next review: 16 October 2025
There are various ways you can access face-to-face support to improve your skills with technology and digital devices:
- Digital Help Drop ins - Supported by Digital Champion volunteers
- IT support sessions - Supported by Libraries staff
- Digital Skills in the Community – Delivered by local community organisations
Digital Help Drop ins - Supported by Digital Champion volunteers
We are running free drop-in sessions for residents to get learn how to use their devices and the internet. The sessions are delivered by our friendly digital champion volunteers.
Whether you want someone to guide you through an issue or if you want a relaxed setting to understand more about your smartphone or tablet, there are options available for support. There is no need to book, just turn up and be greeted by one of our friendly digital champion volunteers:
| Drop-in session in Leytonstone Library | Tuesdays | 5pm to 7pm |
| Drop-in session in Wood Street Library | Wednesdays | 5pm to 7pm |
| Drop-in sessions in Chingford Library | Thursdays | 3pm to 5pm |
| Drop-in session in Walthamstow Library | Fridays | 2pm to 4pm |
IT support sessions - Supported by Libraries staff
The Libraries team are also running their own free, weekly sessions in different Libraries across the borough:
| Lea Bridge Library | IT sessions | Mondays | 2pm to 3pm |
| Chingford Library | IT sessions | Mondays | 2pm to 3pm |
| Walthamstow Library | IT Sessions | Wednesdays | 3pm to 4pm |
| Hale End Library | IT sessions | Fridays | 11am to 12pm |
| Wood Street Library | IT Sessions | Fridays | 3pm to 4pm |
| Leytonstone Library | IT sessions | Fridays | 4pm to 5pm |
| Higham Hill Library | IT sessions | Fridays | 4pm to 5pm |
Digital Skills in the Community
Through the Digital Inclusion Fund 2023 we have awarded community organisations grants to deliver support for their local communities to develop their digital skills and improve their access to technology.
Digital Equity for all
Blossom ASA CIC
Are you interested in learning how to book online GP appointments or blood tests? Do you need guidance on using smartphones or laptops? Would you like to explore the functionalities of WhatsApp and other useful apps? Blossom's Digital Skills Class for Beginners is here to support you. Additionally, if you require assistance in creating an email account, we can help with that too!
In addition to our main location, we offer digital inclusion services at Leytonstone Library from 12pm to 2pm every Wednesday.
Our services are available in various community languages to ensure accessibility and inclusivity for all residents.
How to access: Residents or referral organisations will need to book in advance to access our project. To make a booking, please contact Amira Louati at 07956179160 or Shahid at 07786478961.
Eligibility: You must be a resident of Waltham Forest.
- Address: Leyton Cricket Ground, 2 Crawley Road, London, E10 6RJ
- Email: info@blossom.place
- Telephone: 07786478961
- Blossom Place website
- Opening hours: Thursdays 10:30am to 12:30pm
Digital Skills and Support for Older People
Age UK Waltham Forest
Technology support for older people through classes, one to one sessions and home visits. Run by our volunteer tutors, who have many years of computing experience and understand the needs of our target age range, they will help you get the most out of your technology.
There is on-site public wifi on our premises, only people who join our activities can use it.
How to access: To book your place, please get in touch with the office at 0208 558 5512, pop in, or by emailing events@ageukwalthamforest.org.uk to make an appointment.
Eligibility: Those aged 60 and over.
- Address: Waltham Forest Resource Hub North, 58 Hall Lane Chingford E4 8EU
- Email: events@ageukwalthamforest.org.uk
- Telephone: 02085585512
- Age UK Waltham Forest Website
- Opening hours: Silver Surfers Computer Classes and one to one support offered at various times. Please enquire for more information
Digital art for Beginners
Idea Space
Join us for free beginner sessions to learn to create digital art. These relaxed artist-led workshops for adults help you learn new creative skills in digital graphic design, illustration, animation, and more. All equipment is provided.
How to access: Book in advance by emailing: ideaspace64@gmail.com
Eligibility: Anyone interested in digital arts can attend, no experience is needed.
- Address: Various venues
- Email: ideaspace64@gmail.com
- Idea Space website
- Opening hours: Various, email for more information.
Digital Workshops at Lighthouse
Lighthouse at Saint Mary's Leyton Church
For those who struggle with getting online or anything digital - we are here to help! Covering everything from Word to email and filling out online forms. We will be meeting to help you get confident online.
How to access: No need to book.
Eligibility: Open to all the community, especially those socially isolated and experiencing food poverty.
- Address: Saint Mary's Leyton Church, Church Road E10 5JP
- Email: lighthouse@saint.church
- Telephone: 0300 3230 343
- Lighthouse website
- Opening hours: Second and fourth Thursday of the month, 12pm to 2pm
The IT Club
CREST Waltham Forest
A new project starting in July in a relaxed community setting in central Walthamstow, providing tailored IT skills training for anyone who experiences a mental illness and who feels they would benefit from one-to-one support. All sessions are free and designed to meet the needs of the individual. No experience or equipment is needed.
How to access: Participants will need to book via a phone call to the staff who are managing this project.
Eligibility: Aimed at anyone who experiences any form of mental health issue and especially if socially isolated.
- Address: The Snug at Greenleaf, Greenleaf Road, Walthamstow, E17 6QQ
- Email: linda.mccairns@crestwf.org.uk
- Telephone: 07919 520422
- CREST Waltham Forest website
- Opening hours: Wednesdays 10:30am to 12:30pm