Making Sense Of Media
Advice NI’s hard working and committed Digi Volunteers have been active within the community delivering digital skills training courses to older people.
These 5-week programmes cover topics such as Being a Savvy internet user, How to stay safe online, Using cost comparison websites and other online tools, Shopping online and Banking online. Since September programmes have been delivered in the following settings - Tearmann Fold, Belfast; Hong Ling Gardens, Belfast; Indian Seniors, Belfast; Rathain Fold, Coleraine and U3A groups in Derry/L’Derry, Downpatrick and Ballymoney; a Polish Community Group, Belfast and an online version was also delivered to a group in Omagh.
This is an OFCOM funded project and the feedback through evaluation received from the older people is that the courses are a start in helping them feel more connected to their families, the world wide web and an increased level of online safety awareness. The participants also reported that they especially value the social side of the sessions in coming together as a group, it’s something that they really looked forward to every week.