Getting online and staying in touch with family
Last reviewed: June 2026
For many of us, the online world can feel a little daunting, or simply not for us. But getting online, even just a little, can open up some lovely things, and above all the chance to stay in closer touch with family and friends. If you have been thinking about giving it a go, or helping someone who has, this page explains what is possible, where to get patient and friendly help, and how to keep the costs down. And if you would rather not bother, that is perfectly fine too.
What being online can offer
The biggest draw for most people is keeping in touch: seeing your grandchildren on a video call, swapping photos and messages, and catching up with family who live far away. Beyond that, being online can make day-to-day life easier, from doing your shopping or your banking from your armchair, to booking GP appointments, ordering repeat prescriptions, looking things up, or enjoying the news, music and programmes you love. It can save you money, too, as some of the best deals are only to be found online.
It is never too late, and you need not be an expert
Please do not be put off by the idea that it is all terribly complicated, or that everyone else knows exactly what they are doing. Plenty of people learn to use a phone, tablet or computer later in life, and you only ever need to learn the bits that are genuinely useful to you. Take it gently, one step at a time, and try not to worry about making mistakes, because you really cannot break anything simply by having a go.
Choosing what suits you
You do not need the latest or most expensive gadget. A tablet is often the easiest place to start, as the screen is nice and large and you simply tap it with your finger, while a smartphone is handy for staying in touch when you are out and about. Whatever you choose, the text and icons can usually be made larger and clearer, and there are settings that help a great deal if your eyesight or hearing is not quite what it was.
Ways to stay in touch
There are some lovely, simple ways to keep in contact. A video call lets you actually see the person you are talking to, which is wonderful for faraway family. Messaging apps and texts are quick and easy for a few words, email is handy for longer notes, and you can send and receive photos in a matter of moments. Some people enjoy social media, such as Facebook, for keeping up with what family and friends are doing. You can pick just the one or two that suit you, and leave the rest.
Getting friendly help to learn
The best way to get started is with a bit of patient help, and there is plenty about. Your local library is a wonderful place to begin, as all Derbyshire libraries offer free computers and free wifi to use, and staff can sit down with you and help you get going at your own pace. It is well worth asking what digital help sessions they have on. There are also free online courses designed especially for beginners at Learn My Way (learnmyway.com), which you can work through at the library or at home.
Help if you find devices tricky
If you have difficulty seeing, hearing or handling a device, the charity AbilityNet can help. Its free, friendly tech volunteers offer one-to-one support over the phone or online to older and disabled people anywhere in the country, helping with everything from setting up a new device to getting you back in touch with family. Its My Computer My Way guides also show you how to adjust a device to make it easier to use.
Keeping the cost down
Getting online need not be expensive. If you receive Pension Credit, Universal Credit or certain other benefits, you may qualify for a social tariff, a cheaper broadband and phone package that can cost a good deal less than a standard one. It is well worth checking, and the regulator Ofcom keeps an up-to-date list of what is available. Using the free computers and wifi at your library costs nothing at all, and a good refurbished device can be far cheaper than buying brand new.
Staying safe online
Being online is generally very safe, as long as you take a few sensible precautions, much as you would with your own front door. A good rule of thumb is never to share your bank details or passwords, and to be wary of any unexpected email, message or call that asks for money or personal information, or that seems too good to be true. If ever you are in doubt, do not rush, and check with someone you trust. The help mentioned above can also show you how to spot and avoid scams, so you can enjoy being online with real confidence.
Happy to stay offline? That is fine too
None of this is compulsory, and there is nothing at all wrong with preferring the telephone, a letter, or a good face-to-face natter. Important services should always have a way to reach them without going online, so you will not be left out. And do remember, you do not need to be online in the slightest to enjoy a regular, friendly chat with us at BrightLife, as our befriending is simply a phone call from someone who is glad to talk.
Where to get help, locally and nationally
Close to home, across Chesterfield, Bolsover and North East Derbyshire:
- Your local Derbyshire library, for free computers, free wifi and friendly help to get online. Do ask what digital sessions they run.
- Your GP surgery, if you would like a hand getting set up with online prescriptions or appointments.
Across the country:
- Learn My Way, at learnmyway.com, with free beginners' courses to build your confidence.
- AbilityNet, for free one-to-one tech support for older and disabled people, and its My Computer My Way guides.
- Ofcom, at ofcom.org.uk, for the current list of cheaper social broadband tariffs.
- MoneyHelper, on 0800 138 7777, for free help with the costs.