Getting to grips with gadgets

Older people’s tech lesson

UNIVERSITY students taught an older generation how to work modern gadgets – and even how to play Candy Crush – at a technology workshop.

The Brunel students held a two-hour drop-in session for older people at the Townfield Community Centre, in Townfield Square, Hayes. It was so successful, another is planned for the new year.

Seventeen people aged between 50 and 80 brought along their mobile phones, iPads and other gadgets, and the students taught them everything from turning the devices on and off properly to downloading and playing games.

Leon Evans, vicepresident for community welfare for the Union of Brunel Students, said: “It gives me a warm feeling inside giving something back to the generation that laid the foundation for our opportunities.

“Thank you so much to all the volunteers and a special thank you to the staff that help make it possible.”

The workshop was organised by Age UK Hillingdon, the Union of Brunel Students and British Airways.

Based on its success, organisers have arranged to hold another session at the community centre on Thursday, January 22, from 10am to noon.

Helen Gibson, healthy living project coordinator at the community centre, said: “If you are struggling to bond with your electronic gadgets and you are terrible with technology, then dust off your devices and bring them along with you to the Townfield Centre, where a team of skilled volunteers will be happy to answer any issues you may have.”