Islanders are being encouraged to ‘get online’ by Bob Seely after the MP visited a digital drop-in session last week, run by Age UK.
Bob met with Age UK’s Dan Taylor to hear more about the Digital Inclusion Project which is helping Islanders aged 50+ with training, support and tuition in all things digital.
The project which is part of the Ageing Better Programme, funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, offers free drop-in sessions and one-to-one tuition plus bespoke workshops for groups and organisations.
Mr Taylor said: “Through my work with older Islanders at Age UK Isle of Wight, I see the impact and benefits that technology can make to older people on a daily basis, from connecting people to their friends and family around the world, to being able to access services online.
“Our drop-in sessions have been key part of this, by enabling older Islanders to access local digital support in their own communities.”
Bob said: “It was great to meet Dan and some of the volunteers at the Freshwater digital drop-in session last week.
“This is a fantastic project aimed and supporting older Islanders to access technology. In this digital age it is important to be able to manage your affairs and socialise and network online.
“We are already seeing the benefits of telemedicine where patients can monitor their own health at home or talk to a consultant via a video link rather than having to make the journey to St Mary’s or the mainland.
“I would encourage anyone who is not too sure about how to get online to attend these sessions with Dan and his team who can help you take the first step.”
You can find out more about the drop-in sessions via the Age UK website here https://www.ageuk.org.uk/isleofwight/activities-and-events/digital-inclusion-drop-in-sessions/ or by calling 01983 525282.