Get Online Week is run nationally by the Good Things Foundation, and promotes the importance of digital skills for work, everyday life and wellbeing. With most jobs now advertised online and many essential services accessible only through digital channels, Walsall Council continues to invest in ensuring no one is left behind.

“ Get Online Week reminds us that digital skills are essential in today’s world. From our new Bloxwich Launchpad to community hubs and libraries, we’ve built a network of free support to help residents of all ages and abilities. Whether you’re learning to use a computer for the first time or developing new skills to progress your career, there’s friendly support available right here in Walsall. “

Councillor Adrian Andrew, Deputy Leader of Walsall Council.

At the heart of Walsall’s digital inclusion offer is the new Bloxwich Launchpad, which officially opened on 8 September 2025 as part of the £21.3 million Bloxwich Town Deal.

In its first month, more than 360 residents have received support, and 15 new businesses have joined the centre’s incubation space.

The Launchpad offers modern training rooms, shared workspaces and free digital skills sessions covering everything from using a computer and sending emails to exploring virtual reality, 3D printing and artificial intelligence. The centre also provides CV writing and interview workshops, confidence-building sessions and courses to help residents back into work.

The Launchpad is open Monday to Friday, 9am–4.45pm, for both drop-in and booked sessions.

Digital inclusion support is available across Walsall through a network of local providers.

Walsall Digital Skills Hub, a specialist training centre with state-of-the-art facilities, provides expert-led workshops for residents, entrepreneurs and businesses.

Walsall Connected, a partnership between Walsall Council and local community associations, libraries and other trusted partners, offers support to residents accessing Council services online. It supports them with digital skills and raises awareness about community associations and libraries in their local area and shows them how to get involved.

Walsall Connected Centres currently delivering digital training:

• Aaina Community Hub - offers free digital literacy sessions for beginners and those looking to develop more advanced IT skills. Support includes learning to use computers, navigate the internet safely, and improve everyday digital confidence.
   
• Bloxwich Community Partnership (Home Hub) - delivers weekly planned sessions and drop-in support to help residents learn at their own pace. Sessions are free and tailored to individual needs, covering everything from using digital devices to getting online safely.
   
• Manor Farm Community Association - runs the Digital Divide project. This free, mobile one-to-one service travels across Walsall to help residents develop essential digital skills at a basic level.
   
• YMCA - delivers Digital Divide project, funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority, to support anyone in Walsall who needs help building their digital skills and confidence.
   
• Old Hall People’s Partnership - provides Digital Awareness for the Terrified – a friendly introduction to technology for anyone lacking confidence in using smartphones, tablets, or computers, or simply wanting to learn more.
   
• Ryecroft Community Hub - offers free weekly IT classes open to all skill levels. Participants can learn in a small group or receive one-to-one guidance at their own pace.
   
• The THOMAS Project - hosts Basic IT sessions for anyone who wants to learn the essentials, alongside IT Café sessions offering free internet access and on-hand guidance for those who need a little extra help.
   
• Moxley People’s Centre - delivers a 12-week Basic IT course open to all ages and abilities. The course covers using a computer or smartphone in daily life, with mixed groups and supportive tutors.
   
• Walsall Libraries - provide free beginner computer sessions – one-off two-hour classes, plus 30-minute one-to-one “Begin” sessions during term time.

Walsall College - provides free beginner and advanced ICT courses, including the Essential Digital Skills Qualification, and one-off sessions at Bloxwich Library for adults aged 19+ living in the West Midlands.

Other local projects, such as Digital Dynasty, run by Black Country Housing Group, train community volunteers and can provide reconditioned devices to help more residents get online. 

Residents can also improve their digital confidence from home using free online learning tools including:

• Learn My Way: https://www.learnmyway.com/
• Lloyds Bank Academy: https://www.lloydsbankacademy.co.uk/
• Barclays Digital Wings: https://digital.wings.uk.barclays/
• Google Applied Digital Skills: https://applieddigitalskills.withgoogle.com/
• FutureLearn: https://www.futurelearn.com/subjects/it-and-computer-science-courses/digital-skills

Quick-start Microsoft Education guides are also available via Walsall Connected, covering tools such as Word, PowerPoint, and Copilot.

Visit your nearest Walsall Connected Centre or the Bloxwich Launchpad website to find out more during Get Online Week 2025 and beyond.