Connect More with Technology
We are now open for registration for our 2025 courses!
Connect More is a program designed to enhance public digital access and skills, with a focus on maximising the use of your mobile phones. We have been offering these courses since 2022, helping local residents from Barnes, Mortlake and nearby areas becoming familiar with the use of their mobile devices. The course is conducted in small classes, providing hands-on practice and dedicated Q&A time to address individual needs.
Since its launch from 2022, we successfully delivered 17 courses comprising 93 sessions, with a total attendance of 560 from approximately 124 individuals, 80% from Barnes and Mortlake areas. Through these sessions, participants gained practical skills such as securing their phones and setting up mobile wallets, which increased their confidence in using digital tools in daily life. Beyond technical knowledge, the small-group, hands-on format fostered social connections and friendships, strengthening community bonds and reducing digital isolation among attendees.
With our small-group format, spaces are limited, and enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis. All courses this year have been oversubscribed, so register your interest today to secure a spot and avoid disappointment.
To find out more, please contact connectmore@barnes-ca.org or call 020 8878 2359
The 2025 course includes five 2-hour, show-and-tell sessions led by our experienced tutor, with assistants available to help participants practice what they've learned.
Overview of the five sessions:
Familiarise with your smartphone - Discover essential phone functions, set up security features like passcode and Touch/Face ID, create a Medical ID, and learn how to back up your phone
Explore Apps - Learn about how to download/install, search and delete apps
Using the camera and photo/video features - Explore how to take selfies, transfer photos from WhatsApp to your Photo Gallery, and organise your Photo Gallery effectively
Demystify Digital Wallet - Discover how to set up and utilize your smartphone for payments and explore the additional functionalities of your digital wallet
Troubleshooting common issues - This session wraps up the course with troubleshooting tips for common phone issues and addresses any remaining questions from participants.
The same course will be delivered at three locations at different date/time:
Castelnau Community Centre Jan 2025
St Mary the Virgin, Mortlake Community Association Feb 2025
Rose House, Barnes Community Association Mar 2025
Some of the things that our participants learned …
"I have installed an app Waze and uninstalled an app"
"How to get emergency contacts on my phone, info regarding erasing phone before passing on."
"Torch, WhatsApp auto download of media"
"Using a digital wallet"
"More about QR reader and security"
“How to enter card details to Google wallet, also about storage on phone”
"how to organise photos on my phone"
What did our participants say about the course …
“I'm going to recommend these courses for anyone who struggles with technology. The world is going digital!”
"Excellent and fun"
"I have learned some new things today"
"Very comprehensive and helpful explanations"
"Absolutely brilliant"
"This course is worth while. I feel it is necessary for those lacking confidence like myself"
“I am slow, need more help. Tutors were very patient.”
“Very useful - confidence growing”
“Brilliant course. Well set out with attention to detail. Thank you very much”
