More courses to help over 65s ‘Get Connected’
More free digital skills courses for over 65s have been announced in Telford and Wrekin, aimed at breaking down digital barriers and helping older residents get online.
Following courses held in Sutton Hill and Wellington earlier this year, Telford & Wrekin Council, in partnership with STAY, has announced two new courses starting later this month in Newport and Oakengates.
These free six-week Get Connected digital skills courses for over 65s offer help with online essentials such as getting to grips with email, shopping safely online and keeping in touch with family and friends. They provide fun, friendly and informal support for beginners as well as an opportunity to socialise, with a hot drink and a biscuit included too.
Courses are being held at Cosy Hall in Newport every Thursday from 20 April, between 1pm and 3pm, and at The Wakes in Oakengates every Friday from 21 April, between 10am and 12noon.
Felicity Mercer, Telford & Wrekin Council’s Director for Communities, Customer and Commercial Services, said: “In the increasingly digital world that we live in, more and more services are moving online. Whilst this has many benefits, it’s important to remember that not everyone is confident using digital technology, or has the skills to do so.
“To break down these barriers we’ve piloted free Get Connected courses for over 65s in Sutton Hill and Wellington, and are now running more of these around the borough with the next ones starting in Newport and Oakengates later this month.
“These six-week courses are free for anyone over 65, and if you have your own digital device, like a smart phone or tablet, you can bring it along. If you not sure if you have a device you can bring, please get in touch and we may be able to help.”
Heather Peake, who attended one of the earlier Get Connected courses held in Wellington in March, said: “The course was excellent. I found it really useful and I’m actually not as technologically bad as I thought I was. I still learned a lot, including lots of little tips and tricks to do with my phone and learned how to navigate around my phone and move from screen to screen without losing what I was doing. I could already surf and order things, but I’ve now learned some of the finer details too.”
Graham Riley, who also attended the recent courses in Wellington, added: “I found the course very good. The main thing it’s done for me is give me confidence. The way the course was delivered has made it really easy to learn and build my confidence. I’d have no hesitation recommending coming on these courses.”
The next two courses take place at:
• Cosy Hall, Water Lane, Newport TF10 7LD. Every Thursday from 21 April to 25 May, 1pm to 3pm
• The Wakes, Theatre Square, Oakengates TF2 6EP.Every Friday from 22 April to 26 May, 10am to 12noon.
Courses are free but places are limited so booking is essential. To book, call 01952 380000 or visit https://www.telford.gov.uk/getconnected. Further course locations around Telford and Wrekin will be announced later in the year.
