Welcome to the world of technology

18/05/2009

Blackpool volunteer Jay Johnson explains how he enjoys encouraging people to get online.

 

Blackpool Council runs a computer room in one of their day centers that is helping many older people to get to grips with computers.

 

Staffed by volunteers , the centre has many facilities for their 'service users', from a relaxation room, with its water bed-heated vibrating chair (the same as they have in the motorway services/airports.), exercise classes, trips out to the supermarkets, quizzes, computer

room-hydrotherapy bath-foot spa . 

 

Volunteer Jay Johnson says, "A lot of the 'service users' had never touched a computer before.  In the 3 years I have been there I & all the other IT volunteers have taught many people how to use a computer. It's great to see so many come in  & either play games, surf the internet to compare prices, look on Ebay, check flight/train times/prices-book coach holidays-search for any information, send emails to family & friends here & abroad.

 

"We as volunteers are only too pleased to see a new face come in & say 'I> would like to learn how to use a computer'.  Within a matter of weeks they are able to come in the room, sit down & just do their own thing. We are there to help. It is a two way thing-they & us volunteers constantly make new friends.

 

"There are several places you can get information on learning how to use a computer. The library have a leaflet called 'Adult & Community Learning'.  The libraries are also used for courses. Colleges do courses for Absolute Beginners. Just go along to your local college & ask for the 'On Course'  free paper. You can go along to the open days & they will tell you what courses they run. Age Concern run short courses for Beginners. The library has a teach yourself programme on their computers. Also-if people have access to a computer in their home I encourage them to use a self taught programme called 'Computer Tutor'. The programme is on bbc.co.uk. Once the homepage opens you type in the search bar computer tutor. A list will appear-look down the list till you see computer tutor for beginners with Armani. Click on that & the programme will start. Press START & Armani will talk you through each step.

 

"Make sure the volume is turned on. so you can hear what she says. It really is fun & there is nothing to be afraid of-you cannot break anything.

 

Good luck & welcome to the world of technology".