Unites retired members across Plymouth are crossing the digital divide and becoming computer savvy thanks to help and support from Unite the Union.

Unite Learning Orgainser Sam Quigley met members of the Plymouth Unite Retired Branch at District meeting and got talking to them about their different learning needs, with computer skills coming out on top.

Sam said:

A lot of the members have never really used IT in the past and were very keen to understand it better. Some members don't know how to turn on a computer while others could send emails.  Many said that they had grandchildren talking about facebook and social media, but didn’t really know what it meant, while others had heard that they could save a lot of money by managing bills online but didn’t know where to start."

Sam contacted North Prospect Community Learning based at the Engage Youth, Community and Learning Centre in Plymouth, and with their support a group of the members have just started a basic ICT course.

The members had a wide range of need with some wanting to start from the beginning and others aiming to improve their existing knowledge. With the support of Unite the Union Plymouth City Council Branch the retired members have engaged a tutor to support the first 4 sessions.  

Sam continued:

The aim for the group will be to start with the basics, turning on a computer, setting up an email account, computer safety, how to protect your computer, internet security, saving files onto your computer or whatever was needed."

The group is be supported by a tutor from North Prospect Community Learning (NPCL) and a Unite Community member has volunteered to meet with the group and support the tutor and learner.

The tutors at NPCL also have a drop-in ICT session which all the learners will be welcome if they wish to practice what they have learnt in their sessions. Sam is really pleased with the way the sessions are progressing and the feedback he has had from learners has been very positive.

Sam added:

This is the beginning, and after the retired members have finished the initial four sessions we are going to review things and there is a potential from more sessions and a new cohort of learners."

North prospect Community learning is open Mon to Fri from 9am to 3pm with more info on their website at http://www.npcl.org.uk/