Huddersfield’s young people set to enjoy coding and VR gaming at Golcar family digital day

Young people across Huddersfield are set to benefit from a free family digital day later this month – giving them a chance to learn more about emerging areas such as virtual reality and coding. The event is being hosted by CityFibre in partnership with Kirklees Council, Huddersfield Library and game developers Ocean Spark Studios. Hosted at Golcar Library on Friday 30^th August, it will introduce families in Huddersfield to the growing digital landscape, with a range of hands-on activities. Local digital activist John Popham will be on-hand to provide digital advice and lessons on topics including online safety, Skype and getting to grips with different devices. Kirklees Council is supporting CityFibre at the event to showcase free digital workshops run by Works Better, a programme which helps residents tackle barriers to finding employment – such as low confidence, childcare requirements and needing basic digital and IT skills. The session follows on from CityFibre’s recent family digital event at the Chestnut Centre – one of several community centres and libraries connected to Huddersfield’s full fibre network, which provides an ideal foundation for cutting-edge digital tools and e-learning initiatives. Attendees at Golcar Library will also learn more about CityFibre’s plans for the town, which will see its existing network extended past almost every home and business locally, with next-generation broadband services on the network available for residents through Vodafone. Stephen Moore, CityFibre’s City Manager for Huddersfield, said: “The full fibre network we are building across Huddersfield will secure the town’s digital future for generations to come. It’s vital that young people are exposed to the wide range of skills and technologies which are made possible by full fibre connectivity. “We’re grateful for the continued support of our partners who share our vision to champion digital skills and encourage digital inclusivity in Huddersfield.” A spokesperson at Kirklees Council said: “Access to the Internet has changed the way we do almost everything as a society. We have a duty to make sure that no one is left behind and that everyone has the same opportunities and ability to benefit from advances in technology. “This event is a great opportunity to support local residents within their community to become more digitally aware. We want to inspire and raise aspirations of parents and the younger generation to see the possibilities that digital skills can bring to their lives.” For more information on the event and to register your attendance, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/360158468013280/