Colchester Borough Council is monitoring the situation closely and will continue to take action to minimise disruption and keep residents and visitors safe.
Coronavirus: updates, advice and guidance
Below are links to external resources you might find beneficial for accessing services online.
This list is correct at time of update, please let us know if the links are not working and we will update them. Email: Digital.AccessSupport@Colchester.gov.uk
Resource
Description/details
Website
4 On Demand
Watch your favourite shows online, from Channel 4, E4, All 4 and Walter Presents.
Require an email address to create an account.
www.channel4.com/on-demand
Advice Local
Guide to help with benefits, work, money, housing problems and more.
Log in or register to create, edit, and share multiple lists.
advicelocal.uk/resources/housing
BBC – 8 top tips for staying safe online
For older children and teenagers.
Videos to explain the top tips.
Registration required for comments.
www.bbc.co.uk/cbbc/findoutmore/help-me-out-staying-safe-online
BBC – fool proof tips to beat cyberbullying
www.bbc.co.uk/cbbc/findoutmore/help-me-out-cyberbullying?collection=lifebabble-help-me-out
BBC iPlayer
Watch live BBC TV channels, enjoy TV programmes you missed and view exclusive content on BBC iPlayer.
Requires an email address.
www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer
Benefits and taxes
Learn My Way and then links you to GOV.UK website.
The Learn My Way team have connected up with Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) service to bring you everything you need to know about their services.
www.learnmyway.com/resources/benefits-and-taxes/
Benefits and taxes – Child benefit and tax credits
Learn My Way guide.
On this page you'll find loads of useful information about which benefits Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) look after, as well as some links that will help you find out more, including how to claim the benefits you're entitled to.
www.learnmyway.com/resources/tax-credits-child-benefit/
Benefits and taxes – National insurance and taxes
At the top of the page, you'll find out about the taxes and contributions you'll pay if you work for someone else or for a company, along with taxes that apply to anyone.
Below these, you can find out about the taxes and contribution rules you'll have to follow if you're self-employed (if you work for yourself).
The final section of the page has links that can help you if you're running a small limited company.
www.learnmyway.com/resources/ni-taxes/
Benefits calculator – Turn2Us
Takes you to an independent website.
Register to save your progress.
benefits-calculator.turn2us.org.uk/AboutYou
BT
What you can do online - tips to help newcomers get the most from the online world.
Links to abilitynet.org.uk website to help customers with visual, hearing, motor skills and cognitive.
btplc.com/Inclusion/GettingOnline/ForStarters/Whatyoucandoonline/index.htm
Buyagift.co.uk – How to trust a website when buying online
20 tips on what security checks you can do to ensure the safety of the website you are using.
www.buyagift.co.uk/Content/design/infographics/howtotrustawebsite/how-to-trust-a-website.html
Care Opinion
Can upload and tell your story. Gets sent anonymously to relevant staff.
www.careopinion.org.uk/
Choose.net – Personal Information
Great news and guide website for TV/Broadband, Mobile phones, Energy, Insurance and Tech.
Also has a comparison price checker.
www.choose.co.uk/guide/stay-safe-online-social-media-sharing-information.html
Citizens Advice
Takes you to the National Citizens Advice website.
www.citizensadvice.org.uk/
Common Health problems
Takes you to the NHS website with a list of topics of common health questions.
www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/
Digital Learn
Courses from the basics, being safe online, job skills, being productive, connecting with others, mobile devices, and online shopping.
Use the search bar to find a course.
www.digitallearn.org/
Digital Unite
400+ how-to guides covers a whole host of digital topics. Written by subject matter experts and updated daily, the guides are perfect for supporting others with digital skills or improving your own knowledge.
These can be printed.
www.digitalunite.com/technology-guides
Draw a Stick Man
A game to help with control of using the mouse and is fun to do!
drawastickman.com/episode1
Eating well on a budget (video)
Takes you to the NHS website.
Information for vegetarians.
www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/vegetarian-food-on-a-budget/
Entitled to – Benefits Checker
www.entitledto.co.uk/
Entitledto – should you switch benefits?
www.entitledto.co.uk/help/changes_that_trigger_Universal_Credit
FaceTime
Apple Support guide for using FaceTime.
https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT204380
Find a job
Takes you to the DWP website.
Can search for type of job and search an area.
findajob.dwp.gov.uk/
GCF Learn
Learn more about using web browsers, navigating Windows 10 and OS X, and staying safe online.
Hone your Internet skills using these self-paced tutorials, where you’ll get tips for staying safe online, using social media safely, setting up email and Google accounts, and much more.
Use the search bar at the top of the website to find a topic.
edu.gcfglobal.org/en/subjects/basic-skills/
edu.gcfglobal.org/en/subjects/internet-skills/
Get Safe Online
Great website that covers everything from staying safe online to scams.
Can change language to Welsh.
Good video tutorials explaining some of the risks of going online.
www.getsafeonline.org/
Google
Good for learning work docs, files and cv template.
Need a G Suite account.
support.google.com/a/users/answer/9300503#!/
GOV.UK – Benefits
Takes you to GOV.UK website. Information about Benefits.
www.gov.uk/browse/benefits
GOV.UK – Help and Advice when applying for a job
Takes you to the Gov.UK website.
Lots of advice on job requirements, such as DBS checks to National Insurance.
www.gov.uk/browse/working/finding-job
GOV.UK – Tax credit calculator
Information and advice for Working and Children Tax Credit claims.
www.gov.uk/tax-credits-calculator
GOV.UK – Blue badge
Takes you to GOV.UK website.
Check your eligibility and apply for a Blue Badge. You can also use this service to reapply for a Blue Badge.
www.gov.uk/apply-blue-badge
GOV.UK – Find your local council
Find the website for your local council.
www.gov.uk/find-local-council
GOV.UK – Report potholes
Enter the postcode of the road where you found the pothole in England or Wales.
www.gov.uk/report-pothole
Health A – Z
Health A to Z. Your complete guide to conditions, symptoms and treatments, including what to do and when to get help.
www.nhs.uk/conditions/#A
Health Check Tools
Takes you to the NHS website health tools homepage.
www.nhs.uk/
Internet Matters – Helping parents keep their children safe online
Get expert support and practical tips to help children benefit from connected technology and the internet safely and smartly.
Good video tutorials
For parents of children all ages.
www.internetmatters.org/
Introduction to Android tablets
Excellent pdf How to guide.
Is Australian, so websites or pictures could be different or not relevant.
www.telstra.com.au/content/dam/tcom/seniors/pdf/new-guides/intro-to-tablets-android-new.pdf
Introduction to iPads
www.telstra.com.au/content/dam/tcom/seniors/pdf/new-guides/intro-to-ipad-tablets-new.pdf
Introduction to tablets
www.telstra.com.au/content/dam/tcom/seniors/pdf/new-guides/intro-to-tablets-new.pdf
iPlayer Radio
Save shows to listen to later, subscribe to your favourites and get fresh recommendations every day.
Requires an email address to create an account.
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds
ITV Hub
ITV Hub - the new home of ITV Player, ITV on demand and live TV. It's all of ITV in one place so you can sneak peek upcoming Premieres, watch Box Sets, series
www.itv.com/
Learn my way
Learn My Way has free courses for you to learn digital skills to stay safe and connected.
www.learnmyway.com/
Learn My Way – accreditation
Get a City & Guilds accreditation by completing the assessment with our code. You will need an account to access this.
www.learnmyway.com/cag/learner
Learn My Way – devices
Information on different types of devices, to see which device is right for you.
www.learnmyway.com/files/Whatdeviceisrightforme.pdf
Learn My Way – Facebook page
Takes you to Learn My Way Facebook page.
www.facebook.com/LearnMyWayGoodThings
Learn My Way -Glossary
Glossary - Computer and Internet key terms and definitions.
www.learnmyway.com/files/glossary-computerandinternet.pdf
Learn My Way Resources for Digital Champions
Learn My Way PDF.
Gives advice for responding to common barriers from customers on learning the internet.
www.learnmyway.com/files/resources-for-digital-champions.pdf
Make it click
Make It Click features free courses, tools, and templates that you can trust. You can learn new apps, improve the skills you already have and take a positive step forward in your work.
makeitclick.learnmyway.com/directory
Microsoft – Excel for Windows Training
Takes you to Microsoft website.
Very good tutorial videos for using Excel.
support.microsoft.com/en-ie/office/excel-for-windows-training-9bc05390-e94c-46af-a5b3-d7c22f6990bb?ui=en-us&rs=en-ie&ad=ie
Microsoft – PowerPoint for Windows Training
Very good tutorial videos for using PowerPoint.
support.office.com/en-ie/article/powerpoint-for-windows-training-40e8c930-cb0b-40d8-82c4-bd53d3398787
Microsoft – Word for Windows training
Very good tutorial video for using Word.
support.microsoft.com/en-ie/office/word-for-windows-training-7bcd85e6-2c3d-4c3c-a2a5-5ed8847eae73?ui=en-us&rs=en-ie&ad=ie
Microsoft Teams
Guide for using Microsoft Teams.
Quick start Microsoft Teams PDF guide.
docs.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoftteams/get-started-with-teams-quick-start
C:/Users/CBC10978/Downloads/Teams%20QS.pdf
Money Advice Service – The budget Planner
Takes you to the Money Advice Service website.
Budget Planner puts you in control of your household spending and analyses your results to help you take control of your money.
www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/tools/budget-planner
Money Advice Service Tools
Calculators, letter templates and free printed guides – useful tools and resources to help you.
www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/categories/tools-and-calculators
Money Health Check – Financial health checker
Free online financial health checker tool.
www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/tools/health-check
Money manager for Universal Credit
Money Manager is designed just for people on Universal Credit. You can use it whether you’re making a new claim or moving to Universal Credit from existing benefits.
www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/tools/money-manager
Money My Way
Sign up to assist you with a budget, complete your advice session, or get your action plan.
www.learnmyway.com/resources/money-my-way/
Money My Way – Attitude to money
This page will help you to be aware of your own attitude to money and make changes if you need to. You'll be given some tasks to do and resources to try.
www.learnmyway.com/resources/attitude-to-money/
Money My Way - Banking
This page will help you to get to grips with the basics of banking, as well as banking online - which could be a great option if you're looking to save time!
www.learnmyway.com/resources/banking/
Money My Way - Benefits
It's important to be aware of the different benefits and tax credits that are available so you know you're not missing out on anything you could be receiving; this page gives you information on this.
www.learnmyway.com/resources/benefits/
Money My Way - Budgets
This page is full of useful tools and resources to help you get your budget started. You can try as many of the tasks as you like at your own pace.
www.learnmyway.com/resources/budgets/
Money My Way – Dealing with Debt
This page is full of useful tasks, tools and resources to help you deal with debts in the best way you can.
www.learnmyway.com/resources/dealing-with-debt/
Money My Way – Money and work
Whatever job you have, it can be tough to grasp the ins and outs of managing the money you have coming in, this page gives you information on this.
www.learnmyway.com/resources/money-and-work/
Money My Way - Saving
Saving money can be really tough, but it's worth it if you're looking to buy something a little bit more expensive than usual, or if you're finding yourself short of cash from month to month, this page gives you information on this.
www.learnmyway.com/resources/savings/
Money My Way - Shopping
This page will give you an opportunity to find deals and discounts online, as well get tips on how you could change how you shop to save money!
www.learnmyway.com/resources/shopping/
Money My Way – Spending priorities
This page will help you to get to grips with which debts are most important.
www.learnmyway.com/resources/spending-priorities/
Money My Way – Unexpected events
On this page, you'll find loads of useful links to tools and resources that will help you cope with things you didn't expect to happen. These events are split into categories to help you find the information you need as easily as possible.
www.learnmyway.com/resources/unexpected-events/
Money Saving Expert – Free Antivirus Software
Advice for free antivirus software for PC or Mac.
www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/free-anti-virus-software/
National career Service
Can search for careers.
Require an email address to chat.
nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/
National Careers Service
Can telephone or use web chat.
Advice from CV’s to interview tips.
nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/get-a-job
NHS find services near you (England)
Symptom Checker.
Search for a GP/Dentist and more.
www.nhs.uk/service-search
Norton – Safety Tips: Using a Public Computer
Information and videos on how to guides for Norton products.
www.nortonsecurityonline.com/security-center/safety-tips-using-public-computer.html
NSPCC Net Aware – social networks your kids use
Excellent website for parents/carers to find out safety information on social media websites.
www.net-aware.org.uk/
On Guard Online – Understanding Mobile Apps
Privacy, identity, and online security, plus scams explained with a video.
Good tutorials for advice on money, mortgages, car loans and scams.
www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0018-understanding-mobile-apps
Sainsbury’s Bank – Guide to shopping safely online
10 basic tips for online shopping, using mobile devices and security measures.
www.sainsburysbank.co.uk/money-matters/shopping-safely-online
Skype
Skype Support guide for using Skype.
support.skype.com/en/skype/all/
Stay safe online – Top tips (Handout)
Learn My Way pdf on how to stay safe online.
www.learnmyway.com/files/stay-safe-online-top-tips.pdf
The NHS website – Eat well
Recipes and advice.
This page covers healthy eating advice for the general population.
www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/
The NHS website - Exercise
Advice on exercise.
Couch to 5K, home exercises and more.
www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/free-fitness-ideas/
The NHS website – Mental wellbeing mood zone
Takes you to the NHS website. Mental health and wellbeing information.
www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/
UK Safer Internet Centre
Online safety tips, advice and resources to help children and young people stay safe online.
www.saferinternet.org.uk/
Universal Credit – Checklist for couples –
This checklist is for couples applying for Universal Credit.
www.learnmyway.com/files/Universal-Credit-checklist-for-couples.pdf
Universal Credit – checklist for individuals
This checklist is for people applying for Universal Credit as an individual.
www.learnmyway.com/files/Universal-Credit-checklist-for-individuals.pdf
Universal Credit – Your Online Journal
Information About Universal Credit Online Journal.
www.learnmyway.com/files/Universal-Credit-Your-Online-Journal.pdf
Use your voice - Voice box cafes
You can make your voice heard by becoming more politically active.
You'll find resources and website links to help you get involved locally or nationally.
www.learnmyway.com/resources/use-your-voice/
WhatsApp
WhatsApp website contains a guide on how to use WhatsApp.
www.whatsapp.com/
Zoom
Guide for using Zoom.
support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/categories/200101697-Getting-Started
