Older People & Digital Inclusion

Go for IT ProjectAge Concern Neath Port Talbot

Saifur Rahman - Age Concern Neath Port Talbot Go for IT Project

Matthew Lloyd - Communities @One Broker for Neath Port Talbot

• Digital Inclusion project for older people (Over 50s)• Run in Community Venues• One Member of Staff• Delivered through Volunteers• Support of Key Partners • Focusing on the real benefits that technology can

bring to older people • Help in accessing services relevant to older people

Project Outline

Project Evidence of Need • Local region (Neath Port Talbot) has an ageing population • Technology (ICT) is moving on rapidly and older people are

being left behind• Services important to older people are moving onto the

internet and without the skills or ability people will be unable to access these

• No specific provision to assist older people about technology at a pace that they are comfortable with

• Pilot project being run was increasing successful and looking to expand its reach

• Computers not taught in school for this age group

Project Aims • Provide easily accessible information and

technology activities• One-to-one computer skills tutoring to bridge the

divide between those who have a good understanding of technology and those who would like to learn more.

• Go for ‘IT’ project focuses on the real benefits that technology can bring to the lives of older people to 

• Addressing the digital and related social exclusion of local older people.

• Patient and nurturing support (spiral effect on family)

Project Elements 1. Train Volunteers/Mentors to deliver project2. Run Technology Awareness Sessions3. Run Taster Sessions/Peer Tutoring (individual

and small established community groups)4. Establish new local ICT Community Groups5. Set up Technical Support for Learners by e-

mail and telephone

Project Engagement Methods – Engage with Community Groups

through trusted route/organisation/person

1. Local Community Centre/Library2. Day Centre 3. Local Community Halls4. Sheltered Housing5. Referrals from Communities First Staff

Breaking down the Barriers 1. Informal Talk > Break down Fear/Barriers2. Demonstration > Ask people what they want 3. 1 to 1 sessions led by Volunteers > Build

Confidence4. Referral onto classes and other courses >

the volunteer identifies the course when the individual is ready

5. Move client onto ICT Community Group > comfortable environment for learning more

Project FindingsOlder People want to learn how to :

• keep in touch with family – E-mail• use their digital camera• use a computer• interact “keep up with” family and friends • break down the isolation they feel• learn new employability skills• prepare for digital TV switch over

Project Findings• Older people:

– like 1 to 1 support – Sometimes need many hours of support– enjoy learning at their own speed – like to learn about topics they enjoy– love the social aspect – enjoy progression but only when ready– like discussing what they have learnt with friends

and family

Project Results Over 24 MonthsVolunteers• 18 recruited & trained• 1520 volunteers hours accumulated• £22,800 volunteer hours in kind cost for training• 2 progressed onto degree courses• 1 progressed into employment• 1 progressed onto teaching at College

Beneficiaries/Clients• 1116 1 to 1 Sessions • 21 people progressed onto accredited course• 4 groups received training• 9 awareness raising group sessions• 2 community ICT Groups established• 32 people benefited from Technical Helpline

Project Results Over 24 Months• Older people are more confident in using digital technology

such as mobile phones, computers, internet, digital camera etc.

• Older people are more aware and involved in family discussion related to digital technology

• Helped family bonding using internet communications such as SKYPE, MESSENGER ETC

• House bound older people are using internet to their shopping and accessing other vital services

• Improved independent living

Project Innovation • Digital Technology Walks• Linking in with partners and

complimenting what exists

Project Publicity • Local publications/websites• Local/national press• National organisations• News coverage from ITV Wales

ITV Wales News Item

Quotes of Beneficiaries

“I’ve learnt how to use a computer and camera”

“I have developed my confidence and ability to understand a computer and write an email”

“Please keep these sessions going it gives me something to look forward to every week, meet new people and friends – sharing experiences”

“I am no longer afraid of the computer.”

Thank You!

Any Questions?