WIRRAL people coping with sensory loss have been invited to an internet training seesion to open up a "whole new world of discovery and independence."

Blind and partially sighted people and those with hearing difficulties are invited to attend the free online basic skills workshop as part of the Royal National Institute of Blind People’s "Online Today" project.

The scheme aims to get 125,000 people with sensory loss online.

Andrew Coleman, assistive technology co-ordinator at Action for Blind People, said: “Being online can make a huge difference to someone’s life.

“We hope people with sight or hearing loss in Wirral will come along and find out how technology can open up a whole new world of discovery and independence.”

The sessions will cover:

Setting up your email and social media accounts, like Gmail, Twitter and Facebook.

Helping you to chat online using Skype.

Showing you how to use your Tablet or eReader such as an iPad and Kindle.

Support with setting up and using your iPhone or other smartphone.

Showing you how to pay your bills and shop online.

Helping you to use a GPS navigation system.

The event will be held at Wirral Society of the Blind and Partially Sighted, Ashville Lodge, Ashville Road, Birkenhead, on Tuesday, February 16, and Tuesday, March 15, from 12.45pm to 3pm.

Anyone with sight and hearing loss is welcome to attend with sessions including hands on practice with tablets, smartphones and eReaders.

Internet use in the UK has increased over recent years with 76% of adults accessing it every day in 2014.

The workshop will open up the benefits of this technology for those who are blind, partially sighted or have hearing loss.

To find out more call Lynne Sedgwick at Wirral Society of the Blind and Partially Sighted on 0151 652 8877.

You can learn more about Online Today by clicking here.