Getting Digital

Get Digital is a government funded scheme helping older people learn digital skills and get connected to the internet. Sheltered housing schemes have received grants to pay for computer equipment and internet connections. They then receive training and support from Digital Unite tutors.

I'm lucky enough to have been allocated two schemes to work with - one near Middlesbrough and the other in rural Northumberland. A few days ago I visited the rural scheme to meet the potential computer users and run a Get Enthused session.

Longhoughton is a small village with a population of only a couple of thousand but with close links to the nearby RAF base at Boulmer. The sheltered housing scheme participating in Get Digital is also small but they have lots of links with the local community.

I visited during their regular "tea afternoon" - residents and locals alike are invited to the scheme for tea, sandwiches and home-made cakes. They have a raffle, a couple of games of bingo and a chance to catch up on the local gossip.

They were all quite excited while I explained to them about the new PCs that would shortly be set up in one of their spare lounges and that I would be coming along every week to help them learn to use them. Many people had heard about the internet and are keen to find out what it can do for them - they're very interested in ways to save money on their shopping!

Most of the learners will be complete beginners and a couple of ladies confided in me that they're concerned that their sight problems will prevent them seeing the screen. I reassured them that there are lots of things we can do to make it easier for them to use the computer. After that they were quick to sign up for the lessons.

One lady who lives nearby is hoping to improve on the skills she already has. About six months ago her son, who lives in America, had a laptop delivered to her and arranged for a broadband connection to be installed. She'd never used a computer before and was rather wary of it. But with a little help to get started and lots of encouragement from her son she's already learnt how to use e-mail and Skype. And she's looking forward to helping demonstrate Skype to her friends! She's also making a list of questions to ask once the lessons start. That's what I like - lots of keen learners.