Connect With Tech

Connect with Tech is a community project that seeks to help people of all ages and backgrounds to better use technology in a safe and enjoyable way. We hope that in doing so, people will become better connected as they have fun and learn together.

Activities include:

About Us

Connect with Tech is a community initiative based in south-east Belfast set up to help bridge the technology gap within the community and support local families. During the COVID-19 pandemic many people realised their need to use technology to stay connected with friends and family while others unable to use technology felt left out. Many people have also become isolated and feel less connected to others through lack of personal contact and working together as a community.

Connect with Tech therefore offers ongoing technical training that gives people confidence using technology in an environment that re-connects people to family members and others in the community.

Connect with Tech also hopes that its activities will help to improve employment prospects and have mental health benefits for those taking part.

The program is led by an experienced technologist registered with the NI STEM Ambassador Hub.

What We Do

Family Technology Fun

Coding, robots, filmmaking, and computer games are all ways we learn about technology while having fun! Parents and young people can learn together how to be more confident online and use the internet safely and with respect for others. Activities are aimed at children and young people between the ages of 8 and 16.

However, we ask parents, aunties and uncles, or grandparents to join in the fun and learn together. All our activities are supported by registered STEM Ambassadors so we can demonstrate that these skills can lead to real jobs. And because our STEM Ambassadors also work in local schools, the sessions we run can help children and parents work together in support of pupils’ education.

Learning to Code

So much of our lives are impacted by technology and most of this technology uses computer coding. Learning to code can be fun but can even help us use and understand everyday technology. Becoming a coder can also lead to future job opportunities. We also run coding and technology workshops for young people themselves that include:

Learning to code
Coding with scratch
Micro:bits and robots
Advanced coding with Python

Using your Device

Some people have a tablet or computer they rarely use because they don’t feel confident even with the basics. Others would like to get a device but want to know more before they buy it. Building on our successful pilot with NI Libraries and the Supporting Communities charity, we plan to run weekly sessions based on a number of device types, including Android tablets, iPads and laptops. The sessions will cover topics like:

Adjusting settings
Using a browser
Sending and reading emails
Shopping online
Using Zoom

For each block of sessions, we’ll advertise the dates on our website. Once booked, just turn up with your device to register and take part.

IT Assistance

Are you having a problem using your phone, tablet or computer? Or are you finding it difficult to access an online service and want to some technical advice? While we are not a computer repair shop or IT support service, we can offer impartial advice and technical ‘first aid’ and point you in the right direction.

Our IT Assistance drop-in takes place most Thursday mornings at the same time as the Community Drop-in at Mount Merrion Church Hall on Mount Merrion Avenue from 10 am.

Get In Touch

We organise courses and activities as well as bespoke packages. Please contact us if you’d like more details or want to talk to us about organising a special activity. We always try to work closely with organisations that have similar objectives, seeking to partner rather than duplicate or compete.

If you’d like to discuss partnering with us, then please get in touch.