Help with the Internet
Are you looking for support with technology and the Internet?
Get free 1-to-1 remote digital support
If you, or someone you know, need help with basic digital skills or support getting online, you can call our free helpline: 0808 196 5883. One of our team of trained digital champions will offer friendly, patient support over the phone.
Get help with technology and the Internet at a place near you
Or maybe you are looking for a place near you where you can go for in-person support, or you just need somewhere to connect to the internet?
On this page you can find information about free digital support sessions and places to get online. Use the map and the list below to find what you need.
Internet access locations and digital support sessions in Brighton & Hove
Entries – in the map above and the list below – are colour-coded:
Internet access locations – Drop-in sessions – Sessions (booking required) – Courses (booking required)
As well as using the map above, you can find details of internet access locations and sessions and courses to help with the Internet and digital skills in the list below. Contact the venue or course provider to check dates and details.
These are grouped by area. Click on one of the area headings in the list to get started.
For information about internet access or skills training, including questions about their facilities or accessibility, please contact the training or internet access venue directly. Contact details should be provided on the map pins and in the list above.
Tablet loan scheme
- Tablet Loan Scheme: We have a National Lottery-funded tablet loans scheme and have donated a limited number of connected tablets to people in vulnerable groups who would benefit the most from being online. Please complete this form to express interest in receiving a tablet.
- Donating old tech: There are lots of well-meaning attempts to get donations of old devices but please bear in mind that circulating these without prior refurbishing and adequate setup to those that are digitally excluded can create more problems that it solves. If you have old kit to donate, TechTakeBack can refurbish your devices safely and we will then help distribute them to people in need in Brighton & Hove. You can find out more at the TechTakeBack website.
Getting connected: at home and mobile
- Digital Brighton & Hove have a small number of six month data packages which are available to people with low incomes who would benefit from getting online. Please complete this form to express interest in receiving a data package.
- BT Essentials is a low-cost phone and internet service that keeps you connected if you are on specific low income benefits costing £15 in total a month.
- Mobile Data Bundles: If you just need access to the internet using your mobile, there are some cheap mobile data bundles available from ID Mobile and Smarty starting at £4 per month. Find out more here.
- Mobile WiFi (“MiFi”) Dongle – Prices start from £30.
- Internet companies have also removed data ‘caps’ for fixed broadband (check with your provider), and ‘zero-rated’ NHS sites. Find out more here.
Public wi-fi
Brighton & Hove has free outdoor wi-fi at a range of locations across the city centre.
The ‘BrightonHovefreewifi’ outdoor network covers the busiest areas for tourism, shopping and leisure, providing free wi-fi for local residents, hundreds of businesses and the 11.5 million people who visit the city each year.
Free wi-fi is also available on Brighton & Hove Buses. Simply login to the ‘go-brighton‘ wi-fi connection and confirm you accept the terms and conditions.
Useful resources & guides
- Online Essentials: we share some top tips and guides to help those self-isolating access health information, stay in touch with family and have some fun online.
- Digital resources: further resources from around the web to help you stay in touch with family, friends or colleagues during the coronavirus outbreak – or to help you to help others!
- AbilityNet provide free one-to-one advice about technology for anyone with any disability. Call 0800 048 7642 to get some help now!
- Guides & resources: Digital Unite’s compilation of most relevant digital guides to help you and your learners.
- Learn my Way: Learn My Way has free courses for you to learn digital skills to stay safe and connected.
- Free eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines and eComics for all library members! If you’re not a member yet, then you can register for a library card online. You will then be able to use the eServices described above. Any problems, contact the library team for help: libraries@brighton-hove.gov.uk. Also check out the daily children’s story time at 10.15am every weekday on Facebook: Brighton & Hove City Libraries.
- Digital resources for people in isolation: Survivors’ Network provide a useful list of helplines, activities and learning for children, games, mental health apps, etc.
- AbilityNet Live Webinars:
How tech can help you stay connected
How to find local support groups online
How to stay safe online
How disabled people can use Alexa and other smart speakers to stay connected