New home IT support service launched for housebound residents in Filey and Whitby
North Yorkshire Libraries has launched a new free IT support service for housebound adults in Filey, Whitby, and the surrounding villages.
Funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), this initiative aims to tackle digital exclusion by bringing tailored one-to-one digital skills sessions directly into people’s homes.
Building on the success of the library’s existing IT Buddies volunteer programme, this new service supports individuals who cannot visit a library due to ill health, mobility issues, or caring responsibilities.
Sessions are delivered by trained volunteers or library staff and are fully personalised to meet individual needs—from learning to use a smartphone or the NHS App to accessing online activities and services.
The project runs until March 2026, with hopes to continue beyond this date.
Volunteers and staff have received specialist training from Digital Unite and are already helping residents gain confidence online.
Anyone interested in learning or volunteering can call Whitby Library on 01609 534350 or email [email protected] or Filey Library on 01609 536608, email: [email protected].