A-Freek-A at W5 for the launch of MyGroupNI

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What is MyGroupNI?   MyGroupNI will offer a rapid and simple mechanism via which local communities of interest that are currently digitally excluded can participate in the emerging digital environment (incuding Web, WebTV, Web Radio and mobile devices) and will thereby improve digital  inclusion across Northern Ireland.

******* P R E S S    R E L E A S E ****** NEW OPPORTUNITY FOR COMMUNITY BASED GROUPS TO GO ON-LINE

Around 2,500 community-based groups across Northern Ireland are to become 'Digitally Included' following the launch of MyGroupNI.com, a self-sustaining digital network. MyGroupNI is an eGovernment digital inclusion initiative designed to bring together the public, voluntary, community and private sectors. Exploiting Northern Ireland's lead in broadband availability MyGroupNI is expected to have an immediate impact on the lives of over 25,000 residents, who previously have had little or no exposure to the Internet or eGovernment environment.

Participating in MyGroupNI will give groups a simple mechanism not only to create a website but also use a range of new technology tools including; Voice Over Internet Protocol (Internet telephone), remote sensing, interactive mapping and Internet radio. Director of eGovernment, Bill McCluggage, said "The Internet is now regarded as a fundamental part of our daily lives and this project promotes collaboration and information sharing into areas which would not have been possible without the MyGroupNI network. The project is a highly practical way for groups of people, who would not otherwise have used Internet technologies, to exploit their benefits in their day to day lives."

The launch, hosted by BBC's Donna Traynor and UTV's Frank Mitchell, featured a selection of pilot groups who demonstrated how, as early adopters, they are already taking advantage of the scheme. Community-based groups including sports, self-help health groups, local community-based economic development/neighbourhood renewal, community education, local environment and rural life presented and discussed their plans for the scheme and encouraged participation from other groups across Northern Ireland. The project will provide a major tool to support a range of 'digital inclusion' initiatives across Northern Ireland.

It will link to, and showcase, the potential of OnlineNI to deliver improved access to currently underrepresented and digitally excluded groups. It will also offer the opportunity to link with other OnlineNI initiatives such as the delivery of a range of transactional services via PC, Interactive Television, mobile phone/ PDA and other emerging devices. This project will also link directly with other on-line community activities for Northern Ireland such as the ADREAM Schools Portal www.adream.tv and the NICVA Portal Projects www.nicva.org and www.communityni.org .

Click here to view the gallery from the Launch at W5

Click here to view the MyGroupNI Poirtal - www.mygroupni.com

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