Stonehenge
A Wiltshire computer club, which supports people to learn the basics of computers and the internet, is celebrating its first anniversary.
Devizes Computer Club, run by Wiltshire Council’s Wiltshire Online volunteers and supported by Devizes School students has been helping learners since it first began in March 2013.
The club takes place at Devizes Library every Monday from 3.30pm to 5pm. People are encouraged to pop along and bring along their own laptops, tablets or smart phones and get some free one-to-one support with everything from turning their device on, through to sending emails, using Skype, shopping online and much more.
To help celebrate the first anniversary of the club and to support national ‘Spring Online’ week, Devizes School students and Wiltshire Online volunteers will be running a special one-off event at The Castle Hotel, Devizes, on Wednesday April 2. People are encouraged to drop in any time between 2 – 5pm to get help with their own laptops or tablets, or use one of those provided.
Representatives from Carphone Warehouse will also be on hand to help answer questions about the latest smart phones and tablet devices.
Wiltshire Online volunteers will also be at Bradford on Avon Library on Monday March 31 and Salisbury Guildhall on Tuesday April 1 from 3 – 6:30pm providing free computer support.
Spring Online is a national campaign to introduce older people to the world of technology at a local level by encouraging and supporting outlets such as libraries, community centres and schools to open their doors and hold taster sessions.
As part of its four-year plan Wiltshire Council is committed to improving digital literacy and access to technology across the county.
John Thomson, Wiltshire Council cabinet member for broadband, said: “The free computer support on offer from our Wiltshire Online volunteers and groups such as the Devizes School students goes from strength to strength. I thank all those who have gone out of their way to support people to get online and give them computer advice. This type of support is tremendously beneficial to local communities”.
A learner who recently attended Devizes Computer Club commented: “I was very impressed with the computer club and that I’ve been able to deal with several problems on the computer that foxed me before.”
Another said: “I have been met with such understanding, patience, and courteous behaviour from the young people from Devizes School who volunteered to help us. They never minded repeating things over and over again, until I was confident to do it.”
If people would like more information about these activities or want to register for the Devizes Computer Club, they should call the Wiltshire Online team on 01225 793349. Alternatively, people can visit www.wiltshireonline.org or email digitalinclusion@wiltshire.gov.uk for more information.
More information about Spring Online can be found at www.digitalunite.com/spring-online
