Silver surfers ride the internet

Computer skills classes

Silver surfers in the West area are on the crest of a wave – thanks to a class in computing skills.

The weekly session, held at the Munro Centre, is the brainchild of 75-year-old Tom Conway.

The Council’s local Community Grants Fund gave the group a grant to buy laptops.

Tom decided to set up the class when he realised a lot of older people lacked basic computing skills.

“At first I was worried that nobody would be interested, but we are now not only fully booked, but have a waiting list.

“Older people are often daunted by the terminology used by the computer industry and embarrassed about asking silly questions.

“My wife didn’t know the front of a computer from the back but after a few weeks the class is happy e-mailing and even booking holidays online.”

Fourteen people now take the class, with the oldest member of the group aged 81.

Tom is assisted by his grandson Christopher, who has a computing degree, and is now looking into starting a second class to offer even more older people the vital skills.

Partnership and information manager Eleanor Gaw said that this was a great example of how these grants could enable the community to enrich lives.

“Basic skills are now a very important part of everyday life. These classes have really helped older people get more confident with technology and what it can offer.”

Need to know

To find out more about community grants in the West area, contact 0131 529 7440 or e-mail westteam@edinburgh.gov.uk