Haringey Silver Surfers get internet savvy

Wednesday 26 May 2010

Supported housing tenants from Haringey discovered the world at their fingertips when they attended a special Silver Surfers event on Friday (21 May) in the learndirect suite at Wood Green Library.

The event, organised by Homes for Haringey and Haringey Council’s Adult Learning Service (HALS), marked National Silver Surfers Day which took place during National Adult Learning Week.

The aim of the day was to introduce people over the age of 50 to the internet in a fun and informal way. Many of the 17 who took part had no previous experience of computers, so learning how to surf the net was a big thing for them.

The sessions gave each person who attended an hour of one to one tuition, catered to their level of experience, from absolute beginners to those who wanted help and advice with more specific IT issues.

Ronald Blisset, 59, from Keynes Close Supported Housing Scheme in Hornsey, was a complete novice before the session. He said: “It was marvellous to have someone explain exactly how the internet and computers work. I will definitely be using my new found knowledge and making use of the computer at my local library now. It has made a big difference to me as I feel so much more confident. My next step will be ordering my shopping online.”

Homes for Haringey Chief Executive, Paul Bridge added, "We’re committed to giving residents access to services and information in a way that suits their needs, and helping them to get online is part of that. Being able to keep in touch and access services quickly and simply from the comfort of your home is useful to anyone, especially those in sheltered housing who may have trouble getting out and about. And the day itself is great fun. Seeing someone who has never used a computer before surfing the web after just an hour is fantastic.”

Beginners' computer training is available in all Haringey libraries. For further information, contact your nearest library.

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