A LEADING housing provider is calling for Edinburgh volunteers to join the team and help bridge the gap between older people and technology.
Bield Housing & Care has teamed up with local charity, Tap into IT, to run new computer classes at its Manderston Court development in Leith.
With the help of volunteers, the club will run weekly from Monday 11th March, and will help tenants build confidence using the internet, social media and other forms of technology, such as iPads and smartphones.
As well as learning new skills, the club will also encourage social engagement, helping to reduce the risk of isolation and loneliness which can have a detrimental impact on health and wellbeing.
Tenant Mr Alfred Bash, 75, said: “I’m looking forward to meeting new people who are also keen to learn and increase their skills in using technology.
“I think being part of a club with others that are new to this will also give me confidence to ask questions on things I may not understand and not feel embarrassed for asking.”
Amy Telford, Volunteer Development Worker at Bield, said: “We run similar clubs in our developments across Scotland and our tenants get so much out of it.
“Many find that it opens up a whole new chapter in their lives. Our volunteers get a lot of satisfaction from it too and it’s a great role to add to your CV.”
If you would like to help older people Tap into IT, the team at Bield would love to hear from you. Training, ongoing support and expenses are provided. For more information call 0131 273 4029 or visit www.bield.co.uk
To find out more about Tap into IT and the services the charity provides, visit www.tap-into-it.co.uk
Bield is a registered charity which has been providing a wide range of housing and services for around 20,000 older people across 23 local authority areas for more than 40 years.
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