What is DirectSupport?

DirectSupport is a free advice and mentoring service, funded by the DfES, for community and voluntary sector UK online centres.

UK online centres have been set up by the Government to give local, public access to ICTs (Information and Communication Technologies). >>more

The DirectSupport service is run by the voluntary sector, for the voluntary sector - it is managed by a consortium of five partner organisations, also known as DirectSupport. >>more

The current programme of support will run to March 2004. >>more

The aim of DirectSupport is to ensure that everyone - even isolated communities and small organisations - can get the help they need to fund and run a sustainable, local centre for online learning and Internet access.

Helping centres to plan, to exchange experience and work together is a key part of the process. We also help centres to document and develop good ideas for fun activities, so they can share these with other centres. >>more

There are three levels of DirectSupport available free to UK online centres in the Voluntary and Community sectors. We will also assist networks that include UK online centres in the Voluntary and Community sector:

Helpdesk
Virtual ICT Centre, including the Experts Online service
Mentoring and workshops, including tools to help you develop sustainability

The CuriosIT range of fun ICT activities is available free to all UK online centres.

The TargIT funding scheme is now ended. It was a programme run by DirectSupport to deliver small amounts of Capital Modernisation Fund (CMF) from the DfES to small voluntary sector organisations wishing to open UK Online centres. Nearly 100 additional UK online centres opened as a result of this initiative. >>more

LATEST NEWS

2003-04 plan*IT Awards

YOUR CHANCE TO WIN CASH FOR YOUR UK ONLINE CENTRE!!!

DirectSupport is launching Round 2 of the 2003-4 plan*IT Awards. With the support of DfES and UfI we are offering community-based UK online centres the chance to win up to £1000 for new projects. >>more

Funding the future?

Three things you must know:
Regeneration Funding / Funding Stakeholders
Current Consultations
Could your centre become a Social Enterprise?