A computer club for over 55’s in Oldham has succeeded in its bid for £10k funding from The Big Lottery. Club members are celebrating the success which will enable them to purchase new equipment and continue to run for a further 12 months.
Local housing provider Guinness Northern Counties set up the club in August 2011 with £1400 start-up funding to kick-start the club, which is run at the association’s Bickerton Court sheltered housing scheme on Collins Way off Old Lane in Chadderton, Oldham.
The computer club meets every Friday at 1.30pm and is run by Connect I.T Plus, who provide equipment and deliver the training.
Members of the computer club and scheme manager Debbie Jaerisch spent months preparing the bid and were thrilled to hear last week that their application had been successful. Speaking at the scheme, which is managed by Guinness Care & Support, Debbie said: “Its been really great having the training and residents are already learning new skills. The opportunities to link up with friends and family away from the area and chances to get good deals on the internet are just some of the benefits this will bring.”
Andrew Dixon, from Connect I.T. Plus, said: “Since the start of the club in August the new users have come some way with their new found skills. All the members were basic beginners in the technology world but really took to the tasks. At present the club members are busy designing calendars for 2012 and are looking forward to starting with the internet and emailing at the beginning of the New Year.”
Bickerton Court is host to just one of eight Computer Clubs which have been set up in the North West by Guinness Northern Counties.
The free sessions are open to all local residents and non-residents of Guinness Northern Counties, regardless of age and take place every Friday at Bickerton Court Sheltered Housing Scheme in Oldham.
For more information on the computer clubs run by Guinness Northern Counties, please call Claire or Debbie on 01706 693 366.