The level of interest in all aspects of Information Technology, and more recently the Internet has prompted NeighbourhoodServices.com to develop a structured approach to  problems associated with the onset of the Internet revolution - ie lack of awareness, confidence and appropriate skill shortages within local communities. 

Developed as 'The Online Neighbourhood Network', this approach seeks to link the inquisitive nature of individuals with the wealth of opportunities for access to information and education that the Internet presents within a network of local community based websites.

NeighbourhoodServices.com has now established a 'post code specific' framework which supports a rapidly expanding network of websites. Current membership of the Online Neighbourhood Network encompasses community/resident associations, local businesses, churches and other voluntary based organisations - with additional enquiries for free website development being received daily.

Notwithstanding such pressing requirements to establish an online presence via a web site, the fully co-ordinated establishment of the Online Neighbourhood Network also presents opportunities for a variety of work-based employment opportunities, and in turn overcome many of the issues which have to date prevented individuals, community groups and locally based small businesses from accessing the benefits of the Internet.

Consequently, NeighbourhoodServices.com is keen to work in partnership with appropriate organisations to fill the growing void in terms of Information and Communications Technologies (ICT's) locally, as described in the Government Policy Action Team Report (15) - 'Closing The Digital Divide'.

This report notes that; '...finding initiatives which are engaging people who feel alienated or frightened by the technology and for whom there may be little incentive to visit a centre to begin to gain experience of using ICT's is much more difficult.'

Given the scope of the work that needs to be done, and the popularity of the NeighbourhoodServices.com free community website service, we are keen to merge the positive (i.e.- potential employment and training aspect of our services) with an established  need - in this case poor access to the benefits of the 'Information revolution' in local communities because of a lack of awareness, skills or opportunities.

In seeking to provide solutions to the above Internet related problems within the community, NeighbourhoodServices.com is proud to be recognised as a private sector company with a social conscience - a true social enterprise.

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As part of a co-ordinated partnership approach NeighbourhoodServices.com is seeking to respond to recommendation 6.9.1 of the above Policy Action Team report on Closing The Digital Divide, which states that..

'The office of the e-Envoy should encourage regional and local Partnerships between public, private and voluntary sector organisations to;

• support the uptake of ICT skills in disadvantaged neighbourhoods; and

• train and employ local people in virtual enterprises.'

Within a successful partnership delivering the Online Neighbourhood Network, NeighbourhoodServices.com will deliver the following social benefits for a variety of local individuals and organisations:

Full implementation of the proposed Online Neighbourhood Network offers the promise of a more enlightened and confident local community, which can then understand and use the power of the Internet and other emerging technologies to help build a stronger and more coherent society.