COMPUTING SUCCESS FOR SHELTERED SCHEME RESIDENTS

Residents at Garsdale Court in Alvaston, Derby will see all their hard work pay off tomorrow, Friday 1 April 2005, when they are presented with their WEA East Midlands Certificates of Attendance in Computing.

Over the past 12 weeks the residents on the Derby Homes sheltered housing scheme, who have an average age of 66, have been learning how to surf the Internet, send e-mails, type letters, create spreadsheets and develop other computing skills. 

Dennis Rees, chair of the board of Derby Homes, said: “Our sheltered housing schemes provide lots of social activities for residents, but we wanted to go one step further. As part of a pilot project we've installed computers in two of our schemes.  The equipment is especially designed for older people, with large keyboards, easy to use mice and large screen settings. They are also fully equipped with virus and firewall protection to make sure using the Internet is safe."

"Everyone taking part in the classes has worked hard but also had lots of fun.  Some have been using their new skills to send e-mails to family or friends and one resident has created a spreadsheet to show the tea club expenses."

The other scheme taking part in the pilot is Whitecross House in the city centre.