Computer Confidence: Pauline’s Story Laura Robinson Wonford, Exeter
Technology is not cheap, nor is it straight forward to use if you haven’t grown up with it. But the world around us today is
An excited Pauline and her daughter Sadie preparing for the first drop in session
full of gadgets and devices designed to make our lives easier. For some though, the thought of using this technology is scary and intimidating. Or they may get it working but not be quite sure that things are set up right. That’s what I want to change, one small step at a time, by enabling people to access emails, use Skype to talk to family, or just to know how to use the internet safely. The internet has many answers to the questions but finding the right one and knowing it is trustworthy is a daunting task. But offering my time to answer questions or to demonstrate how to use something, can make a massive difference to people’s confidence with using computers. For the past 10 years I have worked and volunteered in my local community. The most rewarding projects in my opinion are
Those who attend the drop in sessions have learnt a range
where people learn the skills to help themselves, enabling them
of skills, from using Skype to talk to family and friends, trying
to access information and make decisions for themselves or for
out email on a tablet, using cloud storage to keep photos and
their family. Learning can be, and is, lifelong - and seeing people
documents safe, and helping with removing viruses and malware
of all ages and abilities grow in confidence from simple steps
from the computer. I offer information on internet safety,
and sharing skills is amazing. I see it in my own children and with
shopping online, how to save money using tips from the
my family and friends. I want to use that passion for learning to
internet… all kinds of things really! The internet is such a great
help others to try new things and learn new skills.
resource and I am keen to share this to enable people to keep in touch with friends and family and to make life a little more accessible for everyone.
Fred loving Facebook!
The support of the Community Organisers in Wonford have really helped get this project off the ground, including helping me to liaise with the Community Centre, who have a computer suite. We have offered a few sessions so far and they have been well attended. I am now continuing this work across the city, still working alongside the Community Organisers as they expand their work into new villages in the city. We now offer a weekly session in the centre of town, and another drop in session will take place once a month in one of the community centres. These sessions are all free to people in the community. We have plans to offer a shopping café for internet shopping and job searching support for the unemployed. With other volunteers helping now too, hopefully this project will go from strength to strength...!