September 2025 network meet-up: Get Online Week
02/10/2025
First published October 2025
Read the key takeaways from our recent Network Meet-up, focusing on popular events, new ideas and top tips for Get Online Week 2025.
In September, we brought hubs together to talk about their experiences of taking part in Get Online Week and their plans for this year.
Hubs from across the UK shared a wealth of fantastic ideas for events as well as great tips on how to use the campaign to build partnerships.
Top takeaways
Event tips and ideas
Host events that are friendly, welcoming, and practical, keeping the focus broad so people can bring all their digital challenges.
Drop-in and practical sessions could include:
- Internet Cafes
- 'Sip and Surf' sessions
- IT expert sessions
- Multilingual support sessions
- Resource distribution (eg National Databank)
Themed sessions are popular, including:
- Financial and cost of living skills
- Health and well-being
- Online safety and scams
- AI and future skills (try out the AI Gateway!)
- Library and learning resources
- Community-specific support
Include fun and engaging activities such as:
- 3D printing
- Training apps like Elevate and Lumosity
- Games like online murder mysteries
Building and strengthening partnerships
Get Online Week provides an excellent opportunity to strengthen existing relationships and build new ones with external organisations.
- Strengthen existing networks and invite existing partners to run specific sessions
- Seek new partnerships with local groups, eg housing associations
- Coordinate efforts with GP practices or Primary Care Networks (PCNs)
- Engage NHS volunteers in health events
- Develop partnerships with banks to run sessions
- Partner with tech companies to get support for device issues
- Open days are often well-attended by stakeholders and potential new partners
Practical tips for success
- Encourage mixed age groups to participate, allowing younger people to support older people
- Help people have fun with digital technology to reduce intimidation
- Start planning early to give volunteers time to prepare
- Register your Get Online Week events
- Encourage learners to use the Learn My Way modules
- Offer refreshments to make sessions relaxed (opt in to receive a refreshment voucher when you register an event)