As part of national Silver Surfers’ week, residents at a sheltered scheme in West Didsbury are going digital with the donation of two computers with broadband access and forthcoming training to help them embrace the internet.

Mosscare Housing has used over £1,000 worth of equipment, donated by its ICT solutions provider JMC IT and CISCO, to encourage the over 50’s at its sheltered schemes to get online.

Marilyn Evans, Mosscare’s ICT manager, said:   “These computers can be used in so many ways – to surf the web for best prices, for online shopping, catching up with news and even helping grandchildren with homework!”

One machine has already been installed in a scheme at Cardinal Court in Moss Side and there are plans to install more at other schemes in Rusholme and Fallowfield.                          

Peter Bailey, Senior Sheltered Housing Officer, said: “We’ve discovered the biggest barrier to going online is not knowing where to start.   So we’ve organised training to start in the next few weeks for our residents and local people who are over 50, which will be extended to our other schemes in due course.”

Anyone interested in attending the training at Jack Edwards’ Court on Lapwing Lane, West Didsbury, should ring Scheme Manager, Carole Crossley on 0161 445 0834 to reserve a place. Places will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

Mosscare Housing’s initiative to get the over 50’s online is part of a national campaign, visit http://springonline.org/ for more information.

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