Help! - where to get free/cheap computer skills/microsoft refresher courses

[Winterblued]

I have been a mum for 7 years and now want to go back to work. I feel it would really help my confidence if I could refresh my word, excel etc. Was quite good at it but have not had much use for a computer for a long time apart from checking mumsnet ;-) However I can't afford expensive computer courses as have had no income for such a long time! thanks!

Google Digital Garage

Back in the Summer Google were offering free training to anyone who wanted it in Birmingham. It is part of their Charity Arm. I'm sure a bit of Internet searching will see where else they offer this.

I did a free IT essential skills (word, excel, powerpoint etc) course with vision2learn when I was sorting my cv to return to work. It was an online course with a real tutor for support, excellent materials and a proper qualification at the if you pass.
Sorry I can't link but just Google vision2learn.
Good luck.

BTW I was already a very competent user but it really helped to have something current on my Cv which showed I had some initiative and uptodate skills, plus it was something to talk about at interview rather than 10 year old work experience.