An estimated 20,000 older people and other less confident users were given their first taste of computers, the internet and other digital technology last month as part of Digital Unite’s award-winning Spring Online campaign in association with Carphone Warehouse.
Over 1,000 free digital taster events were held across the UK in a wide variety of places such as libraries, schools, housing schemes, community centres and village halls and even a cinema, pub, street market and candle factory.
For the 12th year running Spring Online helped to encourage and inspire people to make digital technology a part of their everyday lives in a fun and friendly way as learners were shown how to use technology by baking cakes, taking photographs, playing bingo, tracing their family tree and making crafts:
- At an event held by housing provider, Halton Housing Trust, one 90 year old lady had just bought a new computer and needed support with it from the team.
- On seeing what a tablet could do at her UCanDoIT event, another 85 year old lady exclaimed ‘It’s like magic!’
One girl, aged just 13 years, ran a Spring Online event for 15 of her neighbours aged 8 to 80 years with a little help from the local vicar- The Chelsea FC Foundation helped 32 pensioners to get online and learn about making calls over the web.
- Social landlord Helena Partnerships tweeted that they’d helped tenants create email addresses, sign up for Universal Job Match and develop career plans.
- At an event especially for carers, helpers were pleased to be able to support carers and show them the resources available to them on the internet.
- A Carphone Warehouse store in Billericary, Essex, is now opening on certain Sundays from now on specifically to tutor people on technology following the success of their Spring Online event
In Putney, Spring Online brought Christian and Muslim communities together in a community project that could be the first of many cross-faith activities to tackle local issues.- One event holder, Donna Corrigan of Sense said: 'There was a relaxed atmosphere and lots of laughter throughout the day.’ Another group said they had enjoyed it so much, they have set up a weekly computer club. And one participant said it was: 'A friendly approach to something I was terrified of.'
- Scott Wood of Action for Blind People reminds us how vital it is to help older people access technology. He said: ‘Our Spring Online event was a great success. It was gratifying to see how excited people got when they realised what this technology could do for them in a practical sense, helping to end their isolation and increasing their independence.’
Emma Solomon, Managing Director of Digital Unite said: “Now in its 12th year, Spring Online remains as relevant and essential as ever in helping older people and others learn about and use technology in these digitally demanding times and its significant effect is undeniable. Our enormous thanks goes to all of those event holders across the UK who took part in the campaign with such enthusiasm and commitment, and above all, passion for helping others to recognise the world of opportunity that being online can offer. We look forward to doing it all again next year.”
Andrew Harrison, CEO of Carphone Warehouse said: “We’re passionate about technology and take the greatest pleasure helping people to use the latest tablet computers and smartphones. We’ve been delighted to support this important event and as well as showing hundreds of older people what technology can do, we’ve learned from them and will be enhancing our service in some stores as a result. The campaign doesn’t end here for us – our fully trained experts will continue to warmly welcome anyone who wants to learn more about technology and the life-changing benefits it can bring, all year round, so more people can keep in touch with friends and family, share experiences and take advantage of all the conveniences of this connected world.”
Spring Online 2013 was also supported by BMI Healthcare and Marks and Spencers who also held some taster events in their stores as part of the campaign.
The Spring Online 2013 Best Event Awards will take place on Tuesday 11 June and celebrate the terrific participation by the huge array of individuals and local organisations.