COMPUTER-PHOBIC people living in Communities First areas of Barry are being encouraged to fight their fear of computers and iPads through a range of free IT courses.

Barry Communities First team, in partnership with Vale of Glamorgan Adult and Community Learning, are running a five week Agored Cymru accredited Basic IT skills course along with a separate Basic Internet course in Barry Library.

The Basic IT course is aimed at those who have never used a computer or are very inexperienced. Participants will learn how to use a mouse, keyboard, navigate a computer screen, Microsoft Word and more.

The Basic Internet course will show you how to use a web browser, search for information using Google and how to download files.

These courses will start on Monday, April 28, with Basic IT running from 10am to noon and Basic Internet running from 1pm to 3pm, both at Barry Library for five consecutive Mondays not including bank holidays.

A one day iPad course will also be running on Tuesday, April 29, 9.30am-3pm. This course is for those who would like to find out what using a tablet is like or for those who already have one and would like to improve their skills, iPads will be provided if necessary.

In order to be eligible for this course residents must either be from a Barry Communities First area which includes parts of Buttrills, Cadoc, Castleland, Court and Gibbonsdown, residents from outside of this area must be unemployed and looking for work.

Spaces are limited, so book straight away to avoid disappointment.

For information or to book a place contact Michael Doucas on 07730 284147 or email communitiesfirst@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk