Whoever you are, whatever you want to do UK online will help you get on. UK online Centres are for people who have limited or no access to skills in using new technologies. The Centres will help people to develop the skills to use the Internet to access information, send e-mail using a PC, mobile phone, digital television or games console; (please note not all Centres will have the same facilities), and explore the opportunities that new technologies offer such as for further learning and updating skills.

The UK online Centres are based in communities and will enable everyone in England, who wants it, to have access to the Internet and e-mail near to where they live. It could be in an Internet Café on the High St, in a public library, in a college, in a community Centre, a village, a mobile Centre, or anywhere available to the public. They have been designed to meet the needs of local people who have low or no ICT skills or access to Information, Communication Technology (ICTs).

The world of communication, information and e-commerce that the Internet offers is the world of the future, and it is open to you. This is a promise made by UK online - a major government initiative that makes sure that everyone has access to the Internet

As well as providing access to the Internet and e-mail, support from staff in the centers will be on hand to help people to explore opportunities for further learning through ICTs.

You can find out more on further learning by ringing learndirect on 0800 100 900 or by accessing the website www.ukonline.gov.uk

Learndirect is aimed at all adults - whether they are in work, seeking work, considering returning to work or retired. They provide a much wider range of skills provision, spanning a wider range of levels, within an integrated, supported end-to-end on-line learning environment. They will operate under the national learndirect brand which will guarantee that learners will be able to pursue their learning at any learndirect Centre, or from work or home, and receive the same level of support (either face-to-face or on-line) in any one learndirect Centre as in any other.

What will people find when they get to a UK online Centre?
Whilst every UK online Centre is different, they all have one thing in common - approachable and experienced people who can help you and can cater for individual needs. Whether you want to send e-mails, 'surf' the net or just to find information, you can do it with as much or as little, guidance and support as you want and all in a friendly, helpful atmosphere.

Whatever you are interested in, the Internet can be a huge help. You will be able to check out football results, check your favorite football clubs fixtures, find out more about your personal interests and hobbies, swap knitting patterns with friends, e-mail your family around the world, book holidays. The possibilities are endless and it is all there waiting for you. For case studies of people who have already tried the UK online Centres please use the case studies image at the top of the home page.

When you have seen and read what others have said about getting online why not try this for yourself?

· It's easy!
· It's useful!
· It's fun!
· In fact, you have nothing to lose and a lot to gain.
· Give it a go and try a taster session.
· We'll help you get on!

The Prime Minister announced in September 2000 that there would be 6000 UK online Centres including in all public libraries in England by the end of 2002.

Speaking at the International e-summit in London the Prime Minister announced that we have achieved that goal six weeks ahead of our target date and the Centres are now enabling people to get access to PCs and the information they need in the knowledge economy.

Also speaking at the International e-summit, Minister for Adult Skills and Learning, Ivan Lewis, said: “Everyone in England should be able to find a UK online Centre near to their home. 2,000 are in public libraries and the rest are located to provide easy access for all. One of our main aims is to reach people in disadvantaged communities by providing low or no cost information and communications technology (ICT) services. We want to encourage them into learning and updating their skills. “UK online Centres target people with little or no ICT skills. Centres range from voluntary and community Centres - including mobile Centres, to libraries, colleges and high street cyber-cafés. Around 500 online Centres are also University for Industry (UfI).