GOLDEN Gates Housing Trust (GGHT) is giving older and vulnerable residents in Bewsey and Dallam free tablet PCs, internet connection and one-to-one support to tackle isolation and loneliness.
The project is funded by the ‘Delivering Wellbeing in Bewsey & Dallam’ project the aims to offer older, socially isolated and housebound tenants the skills, confidence and tools they need to get online. So they are able to access local services and keep in touch with family and friends.
Kim Bate, GGHT Regeneration Officer, said “The project has given me the freedom to contact people who wouldn’t have normally asked for help. By visiting and working with them regularly in their homes I get to see them grow in confidence, develop new skills and make new friends.
“I have discovered that many older people already have broadband which they are using with their phone, but they are not using the internet properly. Some just have broadband because its part of their telephone package and haven’t got a clue what to do on the internet, so I connect a tablet up to it.
“We have also had a number of social events so the people taking part can swap tips and share their experiences. And if the internet is not for them, there is no pressure and we pass on the tablet to someone else.”
June Barnes, who has taken part, said “If it wasn’t for the project I would have never tried using a Tablet. The one-to-one support from GGHT has been great has given me the confidence to surf the internet, bank online and use email.
“I have even set up a My GGHT account which allows me to check my rent account and balance online. With my improved confidence my next step is to start shopping and booking appointments online. Which makes me feel more independent and less reliant on family members to do these things for me.
“I have also made new friends with the other people taking part in the project, which has been great. We are setting up a online group to stay in touch. I would recommend everyone to get online, not to be scared as I wish I had done it sooner.”
The project is set to last until the end of the year. The number of tablets are limited and are or to Bewsey and Dallam GGHT tenants. The Trust is looking to attract extra funding, which would allow the project to be extended and help an additional 200 people throughout Warrington.
Anyone interested in getting involved should contact Kim Bate at GGHT on 01925 452452, email [email protected], or visit the Bewsey IT Suite (B.I.T.S) in the Bewsey Community Park Centre.
People who do not live in the Bewsey and Dallam area but are interested in getting online check out www.go-onwarrington.co.uk which has information on lots of free courses across Warrington.
