Local residents are being offered training and support to get online to manage their health and wellbeing through a series of drop in sessions in Lancashire and South Cumbria this November.

Healthier Lancashire and South Cumbria is working with the Wavemaker team to take their mobile digital classroom into communities to demonstrate some of the options on offer for people locally, provide demonstrations and answer your questions about using computers, phones and tablets to get online.

We are running these digital health drop in training sessions at new locations across Lancashire and South Cumbria this November, following on from popular events in Chorley and Nelson earlier this autumn.

Pop along to find out more about all things digital health.

There is no need to book - just come and find us on the day!

Wavemaker digital drop in sessions in your area

• Tuesday 13 November from 10am to 4pm: Morecambe Morrisons, Central Drive, Morecambe, LA4 4DA
• Wednesday 14 November from 10am to 4pm: Blackpool Morrisons, Squires Gate Lane, Blackpool, FY4 2AY
• Tuesday 20 November from 10am to 4pm: Blackburn town centre, King William Street, Blackburn, BB1 7DY
• Wednesday 21 November from 10am to 4pm: Preston Deepdale Morrisons, 88-91 Blackpool Road, Preston, PR1 6US
• Thursday 22 November from 10am to 4pm: Barrow-in-Furness Morrisons, The Strand, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA14 2HF

Digital training and support on offer

• Help with getting online
• Basic digital skills training
• Advice and demonstrations on how to access your GP services online
• Support with using your devices. Stuck with how to use your tablet or mobile phone to get online or use apps? Bring it along and we'll help you work it out!
• The chance to test out new digital technology - such as the NHS Online Orb, which is being piloted in Lancashire and South Cumbria.

More about getting online

Why do I need to get online?

Because it will give me access to manage my own health and wellbeing more easily, whenever I want to and where ever I am.

How can getting online help me access health services?

There are lots of different ways you can access health services and advice online - including the NHS website or the NHS 111 service if you need help now but it's not an emergency, booking doctor's appointments, ordering repeat prescriptions, as well as through a wide range of health apps and websites designed to help you look after your health and wellbeing - whether you want to better manage an existing condition, get fit or try out something new such as mindfulness.

What do I need to go online?

You can use your own mobile phone, tablet or computer, borrow a device from family or friends - or book a slot on a public computer, for example, at your local library.​

• Blackburn with Darwen - libraries
• Cumbria County Council - libraries
• Lancashire County Council - computers and wifi in libraries

Our Digital Future

The Wavemaker mobile digital classroom training sessions are being offered as part of Our Digital Future, the digital strategy for Healthier Lancashire and South Cumbria.

Dr Amanda Thornton, Digital Health Clinical Lead for Healthier Lancashire and South Cumbria said:

“We want to empower every person to feel confident and capable of making informed decisions about their health and wellbeing and technology is already playing an important part in supporting this.

By becoming confident to go online, local people will have access to manage their own health and wellbeing more easily – whenever they want to and wherever they are. There are many different ways you can access health services and advice online - including booking doctor's appointments, ordering repeat prescriptions, as well as through a wide range of health apps and websites designed to help you look after your health and wellbeing - whether you want to better manage an existing condition, get fit or try out something new such as mindfulness.”

Benedict McManus, Wavemaker Chief Executive Officer and Creative Director added:

“Wavemaker believes in tech for good, for all. Technology can not only improve the way we live but can also be engaging and fun. We are very proud to be working with Healthier Lancashire and South Cumbria in bringing our digital health workshops to Lancashire and South Cumbria.” 

For more information, please visit www.healthierlsc.co.uk/digitalfuture or follow us on Twitter @healthierlsc #HLSCDigital