Selby Close joins the IT crowd

Published by Frances Griss for Dale & Valley Homes in Housing and also in Communities, Education

Members of Selby Close Social Club in St Helen Auckland are celebrating joining the IT revolution.

The club has bought a new laptop computer to help its members get to grip with the modern world because many of the members have never used a computer before.

Money for the laptops came from the Better Homes, Better Lives fund  managed by Dale & Valley Homes.

Peter Chaffer, chief executive of the company, said: “The members have been thoroughly enjoying using their new computer and moving with the IT revolution.

“I hope they feel confident enough to learn to use their computer for practical things such as accessing services and keeping in touch with family and friends.

“When we launched the fund, two years ago, it was with the hope that we would help improve the lives of many people in this area by making small grants to many different organisations. Our partners at Gentoo and Dunelm share our aims and it is good to see the practical results of that.”

Margaret Jones, from the club, was one of the first to try the computer. She said: “I just want to learn the basics – e-mails and to communicate with my family.”

Organiser Christine Wilson added: “Maybe when some members are happy doing it others will be interested.  At first everybody is a bit nervous.”