Help for internet beginners

A NEW workshop for those needing help to navigate the internet and access services online is launching next month. 

The workshops will begin on Wednesday 2nd February, and are specially designed for complete beginners, to help people connect to the online world. The series will cover topics including basic skills, emails, online forms, medical appointments, video conferencing and online shopping.

“Technology has become a routine part of our lives, whether we like it or not,” say the team behind the workshops. “The need to access so many everyday activities online, such as booking an appointment or grocery shopping, is becoming more and more the norm. Covid has accelerated this trend and there is no sign of it stopping.   

“This has added to the degree of isolation and exclusion many people have been feeling, especially if they are not familiar with navigating their way around using their smart phone, tablet, or laptop.  Although not exclusive to seniors, this need was one of the specific areas identified for the over 50s in the survey conducted by Age Friendly Melksham, as reported to the Area Board in October 2021.

“For the last three months the Tech Savvy team at ‘that meeting space’ have been offering free 1-to-1 help for people who are struggling with their devices. The last of the 1-to-1 drop-in sessions will be from 11am to 12noon on Tuesday 25th January at ‘that meeting space’.

“This assistance has been in such demand that the team has recognised the need to help people in a more structured way to get the most out of technology and have developed a series of 5 one-hour workshops to achieve this.

“The internet can be intimidating for those who are unfamiliar with it, but the instructors for the course, Laura Martin and Myles Pilling, are experts in the field and skilled at helping those terrified of technology and to bring the mysteries of cyberspace into the light of day.” 

Laura, who recently moved to Melksham, is an experienced primary school teacher and manages a digital education company based in South Wales.   

Laura said, “I’m really enjoying the opportunity to support my new community by sharing advice, tips and tricks in all things tech!”  

Since retiring from his role as ICT SEN Advisor for Wiltshire Council, Myles has developed his passion to change and enhance people’s lives by finding the right technological solution to their often-complex needs.  Myles has been recognised for his work in assistive technology, regularly speaking at international conferences. He has helped several people connect with their families and communities during the pandemic.

Myles explained, “We are eager to make sure that this series of workshops will emphasise the gaining of practical skills.  To help us achieve this we are asking attendees to bring their own device to the sessions so that they can get hands-on practise using their own equipment.”

John Firth, who administers ‘that meeting space’ said, “If you would like to be part of this five-week workshop, please get in touch on 07389 866714 or email thatmeetingspace@gmail.com.

“The course will be held at ‘that meeting space’, (formerly the ArtHouse Café) in Melksham Market Place. The course will begin at 3pm on Wednesday 2nd February and at the same time every Wednesday afternoon for 5 weeks, ending on 2nd March.  There is a registration cost of £5.

“We are sure that this workshop will build confidence and competence in navigating this new world of technology.”