Digital help

We understand that not everyone is confident doing things online. You might like some support and guidance that will help you carry out digital tasks.

We want to help you:

• do more online - access Council services easily through our online forms
• stay informed about your local area and find the information you need at any time
• improve your digital skills and stay safe online

Below is a range of services that can help.

Help at the Bedford Borough Hub

The Bedford Borough Hub is a one-stop, Bedford town-centre destination for residents who need help with Council services. The Hub offers residents access to computers, free Wi-Fi and phones. If you need extra guidance with online services, our digital assistants are on hand to offer personalised support.

Where is the Bedford Borough Hub?

The Bedford Borough Hub can be found at:

2 Horne Lane
Bedford
MK40 1RA 

01234 267422

Opening hours

Help to translate or listen to our website 

Our website has a tool called ‘ReachDeck’ which is available for anyone who needs help with reading or language translation.

There are two ways to activate ReachDeck, you can either click on:

• the 'Translate or Listen' button that appears at the top of every webpage (this is within the menu if you are using a mobile device or some laptops).
• the orange megaphone icon which appears bottom left of every page.

When clicked, a black toolbar will appear. 

Each button has a different function, allowing you to:

• translate webpages into other languages
• read webpages aloud
• highlight words as they are read out loud
• display word meanings using pictures 
• convert online content into MP3 files for easy listening
• reduce visual stress and improve focus (screen mask with reading pane)
• magnify text
• provide a simplified view of a webpage

This video shows you how to use the ReachDeck tool. To enable video captions or subtitles, please click the 'Closed captions' icon.

If you need more help online

If you need help to carry out a task online, you can drop into the Customer Hub. Alternatively, call us on 01234 267422 to arrange a face-to-face digital assistance appointment or for help over the phone. 

Helping you get online

Digital support at your local library

Bedford Borough libraries have free computers and Wi-Fi you can connect to, to do many tasks like applying for a school place, check your bin day or register to vote.

It’s free to become a library member and of course, being a member allows you to borrow books, magazines and explore lots of digital resources.

Discover the opening hours and locations of libraries in Bedford, Bromham, Kempston, Putnoe and Wootton.

Digital support at the Jobs Hub

The Jobs Hub team help Bedford Borough residents into employment, education and training. They also provide access to computers and free Wi-Fi to help you with this.

Find out the opening hours, address and contact details.

Helping you become more confident online

Improve your digital skills

Learn My Way has free courses for you to learn digital skills, stay safe and connected.

You can do it is a scheme run by Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity that aims to help people gain confidence in accessing online services so they can do things like book GP appointments, order prescriptions, join an activity group, shop, bank, and make video calls

IMPAKT Housing & Support (formerly YMCA Bedfordshire) is an independent housing association based in Bedford. Impakt offer their clients and volunteers access to computers and coaching in basic IT skills. 

Stay safe online

Staying safe online is important. The following websites have some short information videos about using email, the internet, mobile phones and staying safe online.

• BBC Webwise
• Age UK is a great source of information for older people who are already online but want to boost their confidence.

Help adjusting your personal device

My Computer My Way is your step-by-step guide to individual adjustments you can make to your computer, laptop, tablet or smart phone to make it easier to use.