#SpringOnline week: one of the most important weeks of the year

Call me old fashioned, but there was a time in the not too distant past when we had a few special days in the year. They were mainly tied to religious festivals, plus Valentine's Day, Remembrance Sunday and of course birthdays.

Being on the internet isn’t just about consuming. Connecting with people helps reduce social isolation

Then other days began to be highlighted – the first I recall was World Aids Day. Then days stretched to weeks, and to months. Now I don't think there is a day in the year which isn't dedicated in some way, shape or form to highlighting good causes or raising awareness. We've just had ovarian and prostrate cancer awareness months, Purple Day for epilepsy, and World TB Day. April is both bowel cancer awareness and national pet month, as well as holding World Health Day. All really important issues. But for me, this week is one of the most important weeks of the year. It's Digital Unite’s Spring Online week. A whole week dedicated to encouraging and supporting people to use the internet. Raising awareness of the benefits that being online can bring, and using usual and unusual places to help encourage the millions of people not online to find there is something there for everyone So why is it important? There is so much information, advice, services and deals available in the world, and sometimes it seems like it's only available on the web. So you really do need to be connected. I wouldn't know about national pet month were it not for the internet. Being on the internet isn’t just about consuming. Connecting with people whether it’s through Skype, Facebook or email helps reduce social isolation and we all know that connection to our friends and families helps our wellbeing. So if you're running an activity for Spring Online week let us know. Or if you'd like to take part in Spring Online week, find out more here.