Digital inclusion for the over-50s in the north is taking another step forward thanks to a partnership between Ramsey Town Commissioners and Age Concern Isle of Man.
The Commission has provided, free of charge for one year, a room in the Town Hall that will become an Age Concern Lifelong Learning Centre, providing computer training to older people.
The centre, scheduled to be operational in early August, will supplement, not replace, the charity’s five computers in the Town Hall library where Age Concern volunteer Danny Sayle provides support on Tuesdays (10am to 12.30pm), Wednesdays (2 to 4.30pm) and (Fridays 10am to 4pm).
Ramsey Town Commissioners’ chairman Sylvia Beattie said ‘We applaud the efforts of Age Concern Isle of Man to extend digital inclusion to as wide an audience as possible.
'Over the past five years, we’ve seen so many members of the older generation benefit from the computers we provide in the library.
'Computer access is not only an invaluable means for older people to keep in touch with family and friends and help them feel part of the wider community, but also opens up many leisure and research opportunities, so we are delighted to be able to offer Age Concern a dedicated facility for their Ramsey Lifelong Learning Centre.’
Centre manager Mike Justice said ‘To have a centre in the heart of Ramsey will be a tremendous asset.
'Through our work with hundreds of clients who use our centres each month we’ve heard some wonderful stories of how computers have made a difference to a person’s life.
'One of our clients, having been shown how to send and receive emails, was thrilled to be able to communicate with her daughter in Sydney.
'She was even more delighted when she went onto Google Earth and was able to identify her daughter’s house so clearly she sent her an email telling her to bring in her recycling bins from the street.’
Chief Executive of Age Concern Isle of Man Penny Creighton MBE, said ‘We already provide training to more than 7,200 people a year across our five Lifelong Learning Centres, so we are indebted to Ramsey Town Commissioners for supporting us in our commitment to digital inclusion for the over-50s.
'Computer literacy for the older generation is vital as more and more services are being provided solely online. For example, in just a few years from now, cheques will become redundant.
'At Age Concern we’re working hard to ensure older people don’t become marginalised and left behind by developments in information technology. Our Lifelong Learning Centres aim to de-mystify and take the perceived fear out of computers.
'Information and communication technology is changing the world; with the support of partners such as Ramsey Town Commissioners it’s also set to change the lives of our clients.’
In addition to Ramsey, Age Concern Isle of Man operates Lifelong Learning Centres in Douglas, Peel, Jurby and Port Erin.
The computers in the library at Ramsey Town Hall are available free of charge to the general public during normal opening hours.
For more details, visit Ramsey Town Commissioners’ website.
Pictured: Ramsey Town Commissioners’ chairman Sylvia Beattie with Age Concern Isle of Man’s Chief Executive Penny Creighton MBE and volunteer Danny Sayle in Ramsey town library, home to the charity’s five computers.
