Leeds Life Skills Centre wants local residents to have a go at getting online as they take part in our Spring Online campaign. The non-profit organisation based at Oldfield Lane Community Centre in Wortley is opening its doors to computer beginners to learn a whole new range of skills, from digital crafting to making your own music CD.
Seven million people in the UK have never used the internet, 6.3 million of them over the age of 55. They are missing out on the many advantages it can offer – from managing finances to shopping online.
Ann Sanderson, one of the directors at the Centre and a volunteer there too, says: “The difficult part of getting older people online is persuading them to take those first steps – after that, there’s often no stopping them. So we want people to come along and just give it a go. It will be very friendly and informal, and they’ll have chance to see what the internet has to offer and pursue their interests – from digital photographs to using Skype to keep in touch with the grandchildren.”
Leeds Life Skills Centre was set up last August to help people of all ages get online, gain skills and training and find work. As well as a range of free internet courses it offers help with cv writing, computer repairs and recycling and basic maths. Volunteers speak a wide range of languages, so look forward to welcoming a range of communities to their Spring Online event.