Project bids to help offer digital training
FOR many older adults, the pandemic has brought the additional challenge of getting to grips with new methods of communication. Shettleston Does Digital is trying to help people overcome barriers to using technology by offering support through one-to-one training sessions.
Formed in November 2020, the project is funded by Glasgow City Council and has been developed by Shettleston Housing Association and is delivered by Fuse Youth Cafe.
Project manager Marilyn Boyd explained why the project is needed.
She said: “It’s about making people a bit more digitally included.
“There is a massive need for it now, more than there ever was.
“Due to the pandemic, a lot of people, particularly older people are finding themselves cut off if they don’t know how to use these things or they don’t have access to a device.
“It’s horrible to think that there is people who can’t engage with their families at all if they don’t have those skills.”
Before stricter lockdown arrangements were in place, locals were able to book a one-to-one appointment with a digital champion.
Marilyn added: “It’s just about helping people, whether it’s about taking them through the basics or if it’s to expand on that such as getting them used to using programmes like Zoom.”
Marilyn and the team have now had to adapt to the latest restrictions by offering people training sessions through Facetime or Zoom.
Marilyn added: “We’ve managed to adapt quite well, sometimes it takes a wee while to go through it with others so we talk them through how to access it and then we’re able to show them things on video.”
The sessions have been a big hit with attendees.
One, who could not be named, said: “The team has been so patient and helped me a lot, nothing has put me off learning and I’ve facetimed my friend in Airdrie.”