Social Media for Social Skills (5-week beginners course)

The social impact of using social media networks supports access to social initiatives, it encourages social inclusion and connections, increases community social awareness.

Over the five 2-hour sessions of the course, we breakdown what the most widely used social media platforms are for. You will be introduced to Facebook, Instagram, X , TikTok, YouTube and LinkedIn.

There will be group discussions, Q&As exploring pros and cons, debunking misconceptions and discovering the extra value social media can bring to people's lives. It can positively affect many aspects of life, from access to work, customer services/bills, healthcare, building connections, increasing neighbourhood awareness and community news.

By the final week learners will be equipped to make an informed choice about which platform best meets their needs and why. They will leave with a strong understanding of things like the process of signing up, signing in, password security, privacy and safeguarding.

Engage

The outcome should reduce social isolation and enhance engagement with others. Find similar connections and sharing information.

Entertain

Through engagement you will discover fun events to attend; give yourselves permission for laughter and silly trends. Be part of the conversation. You will find snippets of TV or films or cartoons. You will find friends who share the same humour and outlook. You may start reconnecting with lost friends or family members. Or researching nostalgic and historical facts from your communities, home or abroad. Local park opening times.

Motivate

Guidance on job search, voluntary work, markets, local community news and groups to join. How to find their energy providers, a local gym, a park or join walking groups. Equipped with the knowledge on how to use these tools for information will motivate the participant towards unleashing their full potential.

Educate

With guidance and assurance on what and how to post or comment, the participant will access new skills from home. Perhaps consider further education or develop a hobby new or old, with How To videos on You Tube for instance. How this platform can serve them to problem solve, be used for mindfulness or access reviews of books or films. Social media will be the lifeline that opens up and broaden their world online.

TIMETABLE:

Week 1. What is Social Media?

Explore why it is an essential tool of communication.

Week 2. Choosing The Right Social Media Platform For You

Employment, Community, Friendships, Retail, Hospitality & Events

Week 3. How To Sign Up To A Social Media Platform

Participants register their chosen accounts in workshop in real time; Share their findings.

Week 4. Security, Privacy and the Risks of Social Media

Safeguarding against cybercrime, online bullying, radicalisation and the latest enforcement measures against exploiting age inappropriate content from OFCOM

Week 5. COMMENT LIKE FOLLOW SHARE

Participants return to social media platform of Week 4 and learn how to provide content. Learn how to post a new comment/message and add a photo. How to LIKE, FOLLOW or SHARE. The importance of language and good manners online.

Each week will begin with a recap of the previous workshop. No tests or exams at the end of these sessions.

Note from Jaqi: I am passionate about sharing access to the world from our devices. I want everyone to be included and not miss out on the opportunities being online brings with it. Social Media gets a bad press and with good reason, but it is a tool of communication that can help build towards a fulfilling life when used responsibly.

The course will be presented in five 2-hour sessions and will take place in North Kensington Library Community Room.

PLEASE NOTE THAT YOUR SPACE IS NOT CONFIRMED UNTIL YOU FILL THE ENROLLMENT FORM WHICH WILL BE SENT TO YOU BY THE TUTOR.

DATES:

Drop in ENROLLMENT Session - before the main 5-week course begins: Saturday 20 September, 1pm to 3pm (optional)

COURSE DATES:

Saturday 27 September - 1pm to 3pm

Saturday 04 October - 1pm to 3pm

Saturday 11 October - 1pm to 3pm

Saturday 18 October - 1pm to 3pm

Saturday 25 October - 1pm to 3pm

*Please note the names and email addresses of all who book will be shared with the tutor, who will contact you to send you an enrolment form. Priority will be given to local residents. *You can only have one of these GLA-funded courses free in an academic year.

Contact [email protected] if you have any queries about booking.

Jaqi Loye-Brown is a London resident and writer. She’s self-employed in social media marketing for sole traders and small businesses (from streetfood to ale, fashion to yoga and publishing;) 2012 to present.

Facilitated entry level media employment workshops; social media safeguarding for parents; poetry workshops.

FULL ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:

Eligibility criteria is set by GLA, who provide the funding for tutor fees, which enables us to offer this course to you free of charge:

1. You must be 19+ and a resident of London (preferably a resident of RBKC);

2. You must be able to attend all 5 sessions (as this is a short course, missing 2 sessions disqualifies us for funding for your place);

3. You MUST be willing and able to provide proof of your nationality, residency, benefits and employment, including your passport and NI number.

4. You can only claim one of these free GLA-funded courses per academic year.

What next?

You will receive a message with the enrolment form from the tutor next - please respond to her message as she needs to confirm your place. Those who do not respond to her message will be contacted again, then taken off the list, to enable someone else to join the course.

Host or Publisher Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Libraries