Bedworth's Silver Surfers bridge the computer gap

[dutchman]

An organisation that helps older people embrace modern technology is seeking new recruits.



Bedworth Silver Surfers are looking for people over the age of 50 to join their friendly group.

Members learn computer skills to enable them to use the internet and communicate by email.

Mary Nicholls, one of the voluntary co-ordinators who run the group, said: “It doesn’t matter if you have never used a computer before.

“We can help you get started and set you up with an email account so you can start sending messages to relatives and friends wherever they live.”

She added: “Age is no barrier, either, as we have members in their 80s and 90s, who enjoy the get-together and time for a chat and a cup of tea and a biscuit.”

She runs the Silvers Surfers at the Citizens Advice Bureau in Congreve Walk, Bedworth, along with fellow volunteers Rosemary Groves and Ivor Clarke.

Ivor Clarke said: “People come along to learn and make new friends.

“It doesn’t matter if you haven’t got a computer.

“Some of our regulars are now in regular contact with members of their families living abroad and the great thing is that it is all for free!”

Rosemary Groves shares her fellow co-ordinators’ enthusiasm for spreading the gospel of modern technology to the older generation.

But she said: “Our group is more than just learning about computers.

“It is a social gathering and a place to come and get together over a cuppa and biscuits and we are fortunate to have great facilities at the Citizens Advice Bureau.

“We meet upstairs, but that should not discourage people who find stairs difficult.

“There is a lift as well as disabled toilet facilities upstairs.”

Silver Surfers were first established in Nuneaton and Bedworth with time-limited funding from the government and the Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council to help older people develop information technology skills.

The project was so successful that it spread to other areas in the country.

Funding ran out in 2004, but the Citizens Advice Bureau that covers Nuneaton and Bedworth stepped in to offer facilities to keep it going.

Citizens Advice Bureau manager David Gooding said: “We have seen many people join the group, many of whom did not have a computer at home, but once they had developed their skills went out and bought one.”

They meet at the Bedworth Citizens Advice Bureau each Thursday between 1pm and 3pm and on Fridays from 10am until 12 noon.

Anyone who wants to join just has to call in at those times.