David Payne, Kathy Salmons, Noreen Jones and Vic Brown all volunteered to be trained to become digital champions as part of Cambridge City Council’s ‘60+Getting Online’ project.
They have undertaken expert training to equip them with the skills to train people who may have had little or no previous experience of using a computer or the internet, and help them on the road to becoming confident silver surfers.
This week, David, Kathy, Noreen and Vic will all complete their five week training and be provided with the kit necessary to lead their own free workshops in the coming weeks for over 60s in the community.
Workshops will focus on a range of ICT skills that boost social interaction and support good mental health. Participants will learn the basics of how to use a computer, how to go online and how to shop safely on websites.
Making the most of price comparison websites, using Skype to contact family and friends, and the principles of social media will also be covered.
The workshops are open to anyone aged 60 or over who is resident in Cambridge and would like to boost their technological know-how.
The council hopes that take-up will be steady and is inviting other people interested in volunteering as a digital champion to register for the next round of training.
The first digital champion-led workshops will take place at the council’s sheltered housing schemes but in time they will move out to community centres and other facilities as the scheme expands.
Cllr Kevin Price, Executive Councillor for Housing, said: “Congratulations to our first four digital champions on completing their training - I wish them well in helping many more of our older residents to develop new digital skills.
“While the internet is a tool used daily by many, we know there are people in Cambridge for whom this is not the case and sometimes those are older people.
“While we know there are plenty of silver surfers out there already, we want to make sure that nobody is excluded because they lack confidence or fundamental ICT skills.
“This project is about helping even more older people to make the most of the huge benefits that technology offers to achieve their goals, whether those are using a price comparison website to find a cheaper energy deal or keeping in touch with family abroad.”
The project has been funded from resources earmarked for schemes that are a part of the council’s Anti-poverty Strategy. This aims to support vulnerable older people to access the services they need and to reduce the social isolation that they may experience.
It also includes a focus on supporting those who are on low incomes and do not currently have access to the internet to access services that are available online. The 60+ Getting Online project will help to deliver both of these objectives.
Anyone interested in becoming a digital champion, finding out more about the project, or who is interested in joining a workshop can phone 01223 457199 or email: independent.living@cambridge.gov.uk
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