‘It’s made a huge difference to my life’ – 94 year old William Amcotts
Edinburgh’s newest web surfers celebrated their computing achievements at a special event in the City Chambers on Monday when learners, volunteers and staff who contributed to the Council’s Get Online initiative toasted its success.
Among the participants was 94-year old William Amcotts, who attended sessions at Blackhall Library and is living proof that it’s never too late to learn something new!
Over the last five months more than 140 people have benefited from the scheme, run in libraries and community venues, which helps develop digital skills for those who aren’t confident using the internet. Organisers are now looking at ways to expand the project across the city.
The service also assists members of the public to use a wide range of online services offered by the Council, including council tax payments and car permit renewals.
The Council recently launched a new responsive website, which was co-designed by residents, ensuring people’s experience is adapted to their needs. By moving services online, it aims to open up more ways to access support, allowing people to carry out transactions from the comfort of their homes.
Culture and Sport Convener, Councillor Richard Lewis, said: “This is a great example of volunteer working in our libraries and is clearly having a positive effect on those involved. We are proud to offer a range of digital services to library users, building on recent investment which put wi-fi access into every library in the city. Get Online will help introduce these to a whole new group of people.”
Councillor Alasdair Rankin, Finance and Resources Convener, added: “As part of our plans to make the Council more efficient we aim to offer more services online. Not only will this deliver financial savings but will save customers time and money by providing access to a range of transactions at their fingertips.
“That’s why initiatives like Get Online are so important, as they open up this potential to even more people.”
Led by co-ordinator Kenny Sharkey (above), along with a team of dedicated volunteers, Get Online involves a series of planned and drop-in sessions where participants are introduced to the internet using different devices, including tablets and smartphones.
Amongst the volunteers were S4 pupils from Castlebrae High School, who assisted the East Neighbourhood Get Online group throughout November, advising on everything from Skype to email.
On Monday, Councillors Lewis and Rankin congratulated participants and volunteers of all ages.
William Amcotts, 94, who attended Get Online sessions in Blackhall Library, said: “It’s an excellent service, very valuable. I was given a laptop but didn’t know how to use it. Now I’m able to send emails and listen to music – it’s made a huge difference to my life.”
Valerie Crombie has been learning about the internet at Morningside Library. She said: “I’ve been looking at email and sending photo attachments. I’ve been using the Council’s library service to borrow books too. It’s great to be able to do all of these things without going out the door.”
Get Online launched in February 2014 and has delivered sessions in Central, Newington, Blackhall, Morningside, Stockbridge and Leith Libraries, East Neighbourhood Local Office and Craigmillar Library and Moira Park Sheltered Housing in Portobello. The Get Online team are ready to extend the service to more libraries, social housing associations and other local venues.
Customers are now able to access Council services 24/7 on all devices including Smart TVs, tablets, mobile phones and smartphones, with more than 30 different types of digital transactions available, including reporting missed bins or problems with street lights. By carrying out transactions online, members of the public will be able to avoid queuing in offices or waiting on the phone, saving time and money.
Find out more about the Council’s online services on the website.
