SYHA residents from Whinn Dale, an extra care housing scheme in Normanton, West Yorkshire, have been getting digital after winning a ‘Digital Inclusion’ grant last year.
Whinn Dale used the grant to purchase specialist IT equipment for the computer lounge. Computers are older-person friendly and benefit from both easy to use and see key-pads and voice recognition. Working with an IT trainer from Generation Xchange, residents have learnt to use both the computers and the internet, for social networking, shopping, information and good fun.
Matthew Reather, SYHA Support Worker, said: The ‘Get Digital’ courses we’ve been running have been very valuable to residents; we know this due to the amount of positive feedback. There has been a vast increase in the amount of residents that are using the computers at Whinn Dale, people who live here can now comfortably access emails and surf the net – some have even set up facebook accounts and share their favourite youtube videos!’
The SYHA building, consisting of 60 flats for people over the age of 55, celebrated the success of the project, by joining together with training provider Generation Xchange to hold a celebration event at Whinn Dale.
Digital learners and friends of Whinn Dale were invited to the celebration event on Thursday 21st April. Celebrations included an awards ceremony to acknowledge the achievement of the learners, give-it-a-go IT sessions, and a nail biting online Wii game.
Dave Butler, Whinn Dale Project Manager said: ‘The whole project has been a great success for all concerned. Building confidence and awareness around both using a computer and accessing the internet has been really inspiring for all those who have taken part, especially so for one resident, aged 90, who has recently sent his first ever email!’
May 2011
