Local homelessness charity Emmaus North East has announced a new partnership with Google as part of the Google Digital Garage bus tour initiative.

The bus will offer local people of all ages free digital skills coaching and advice to help them find employment, develop their career and grow their confidence or their business.

The double decker bus will deliver training on Tuesday 30 July at West Park, Stanhope Road, South Shields, NE33 4BP, from 9am – 5pm.

The training available will range from novice levels to intermediate levels, meaning that anyone and everyone can take part.

Topics covered in the training will include; taking your first steps online; staying safe online, how to build your digital CV and personal brand online, as well as how to construct a social media strategy.

Emmaus North East opened its community house in March 2017 and supports 13 formerly homeless people by giving them a home, meaningful work in a social enterprise and an opportunity to regain lost self-esteem to help rebuild their lives. The charity sells furniture, clothing, vintage items and haberdashery from its two shops in Low Fell and Hebburn.

Rachel Eklund, Deputy Manager of Emmaus North East, said, “We are excited to welcome the Google Digital Garage bus to the North East. It is a great opportunity for anyone to learn new skills or develop current ones, for both personal and professional growth.

“This free support offered by Google will, I’m sure, be of great benefit to our local community; for individuals and groups or organisations and I would encourage anyone who is even a little bit curious to attend.”

Ronan Harris, Managing Director for Google UK and Ireland said: ‘In the digital age, a basic understanding of how the online world works is useful and when it comes to business, it’s essential.”

“We are delighted to bring the Google Digital Garage to Sunderland and ensure everyone has access to free digital skills workshops and 1:1 coaching. We hope you’ll pop in and get the skills you need to you need to grow your confidence, career or business.”

To find out more about the Google Digital Garage bus visit: https://learndigital.withgoogle.com/digitalgarage/f2f

To find out more, or support Emmaus North East, head to www.emmaus.org.uk/northeast

If you would like to get involved or donate an item, please call 0191 487 8825 or visit the stores at 639-6343 Durham Road, Low Fell, Gateshead, NE9 5HA or Unit 5, St James Mall, Hebburn, NE31 1LE.