WEST DORSET: The Volunteer Centre Dorset is searching for volunteers to help assist with a new scheme providing computer skills to the elderly, in coordination with Magna Housing Association.

The scheme will target key locations in West Dorset, including Bridport, Charmouth, and Lyme Regis, and help teach elderly residents how to email their friends, shop online, or talk to relatives. To further this aim, two awareness sessions are planned for Bridport and Charmouth next month.

The overall challenge would be to help reduce the isolation felt by some elderly people, according to Karen Jones, West Dorset outreach for The Volunteer Centre Dorset. The monthly two-hour computer club sessions were successfully trialled in Sherbourne earlier this month.

“This is a new project to help identify resident needs, and many have said they are feeling left behind with computers. Magna Housing Association will provide laptops and tablets to some of their housing hubs. Some residents might find it easier to use tablets because of arthritis or other medical issues,” said Karen.

“We're looking for volunteers, no fixed number, who will be able to take a sessions for an hour or so and help teach residents how to turn computers on, get online and how to get around. It's not a matter of computing knowledge, just as long as you can browse, and willing to help in an informal way.”

Karen added: “Our ultimate aim is to expand into other locations. We would also like to hear from people who could assist those not able to get to one of the clubs themselves, maybe by driving them to a meeting.”

“This could open up a whole new world for elderly people, in being able to speak to friends in the computer clubs, make friends online and do their shopping on the computer too.”

Denise Loud, independent living manager at Magna Housing, said: “We want to help our sheltered housing residents to come into the computer age and keep in touch with friends and family using e-mail and Skype, bridge the generation gap, and allow them to manage their bills and shopping online. The advantages are endless.

“Residents will be able to learn at their own pace at the computer clubs, with support from volunteers. As they gain in confidence they will be encouraged to share their knowledge with others and perhaps become volunteers themselves.”

Anyone interested in sharing your knowledge of using the internet or computer then contact Karen Jones direct on 07918 639012 or email on k.jones@volunteeringdorset.org.uk for more details.