City of York Council in partnership with York College, Workers’ Educational Association (WEA) and York Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) is running a week-long series of workshops to encourage residents to ‘get online’ this autumn.

The week offers residents an extra opportunity to discover the wealth of information, services and resources that can be found online through a full programme of events held during the week.

On Monday 15 October, beginners can take their first steps to getting online with a drop-in session at York Explore when they can try out computers, learn about computer safety and chat to tutors about what to do next.

On Wednesday 17 October will be held a ‘From Passport to Planning: make life easier and avoid queues’, workshop at York Explore all about how the internet can make life simpler. Residents can learn about online council services and how they can save time; from registering to get council tax bills online, checking when their bin collections are due and giving feedback on a planning application, as well as useful websites including where they can apply for a passport or car tax and check out their pension age.

The council’s growing portfolio of online services offer residents more choice in how they do businesses with the authority, this Its suite of ‘Do it online’ services is at www.york.gov.uk and give fast, round-the-clock access to people who want to make applications, book or find services, have their say on consultations, make payments to the council or report matters like graffiti or fly-tipping.

Other workshops include online job searching, social media for beginners, a games day and one called ‘Get to know what your computer/gadget can do’.

All sessions are free, for a full programme of all the events visit http://www.york.gov.uk/content/leisure/libraries/Get_involved/gow_2012.pdf