Free tech help, tablets available in Oxford County

Starting this month, the Digital Navigation Program is seeking to help Oxford County residents get assistance with their devices, as well as provide free, recycled tablets to those who qualify.

Digital Navigator Ashley Lawrence can assist residents who may need help setting up and operating basic functions of a phone, laptop, or tablet, in addition to fundamentals of email, social media, and operating online accounts. The individualized sessions also are intended to show someone how to spot fraud schemes and how to safely navigate around the internet, as well as how to use video conferencing for meeting with doctors, family, and friends, according to a news release from Community Concepts.

Schedule and locations:

• Tuesdays, from 1-2 p.m. at the Fryeburg Public Library, 515 Main St.;

• Wednesdays, 9-11 a.m., Paris Public Library, 37 Market Square;

• every other Wednesday, 2-4 p.m., West Paris Library, 226 Main St.;

• Thursdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m., Rumford Public Library, 56 Rumford Ave. (because of possible maintenance at the library, call to confirm meeting location and hours);

• Thursdays, noon-2 p.m., Ludden Memorial Library, 42 Main St., Dixfield;

• Thursdays, 2:45-4:45 p.m., Bethel Library, 5 Broad St.; and

• Fridays, 10 a.m.-noon, Norway Memorial Library, 258 Main St.

Help Focuses on the 4 Ps: Passwords, Privacy, Protection and Phishing

“I let folks know how to spot red flags online,” said Ashley Lawrence with Community Concepts. “And through case scenarios of identity theft or scams, I show them how to be mindful of their online presence and what to do online to keep them safe.”

Training also covers: Creating safe passwords; safely shopping online; identifying secure, encrypted websites; securing banking information; and operating safely on a public network or device.

The program may continue and expand to other locations depending on the response from clients. This program does not fix or repair broken devices, but rather helps a person figure out how to use their devices.

Tablets are available to Oxford County residents who do not have the means or ability to secure one. While a limited supply is available, the program seeks to provide free, recycled Samsung tablets to those who need, or would otherwise benefit from having one, such as using it for telehealth or communicating with friends and family. To see if a person would qualify, email alawrence@community-concepts.org, or call Lawrence at 207-240-7843.

Because of partnerships with Give IT Get IT and School Administrative District 44, Community Concepts has been able to collect and distribute nearly 200 devices. Give IT Get IT, based in Waterville, is another resource for anyone seeking low-cost devices.

For more information, visit ccfcmaine.org.