A whole new world of computer technology is being discovered by older residents at Frome Court
who are broadening their horizons with the help of students from nearby Tonbridge School as part of
a project to get older people online, organised by Invicta Telecare and partner Russet Homes.
Just 28% of people over the age of 65 and only 11% over the age of 70, have home internet access,
compared to a UK average of 57% of households. Potentially, this could have a limiting effect on
older people's quality of life, especially if public and private organisations continue to increase
their use of the internet to deliver information and services. Already over 90% of Government
services are available on line.
The teams at Invicta Telecare and Russet Homes were determined that their residents should not be
left behind and miss out on opportunities as the rest of Britain goes digital and have arranged for
computers to start to be installed at their 10 sheltered schemes across the area. Sherrie Macklin,
Invicta Telecare's scheme manager at Frome Court developed the unique idea for the residents at
Frome Court to receive weekly one-to-one tuition from students aged 15 and 16 to develop their
computer skills and confidence - and the project has been a great success.
Sherrie said: "It's fantastic to see the different generations coming together in such a positive
way. The beauty of the web is anyone can learn how to go on line regardless of age or even physical
ability.
"Surfing the web and sending emails is second nature to most young people but many of our older
residents had never been on a computer, let alone tackled using the internet. So it seemed to be a
golden opportunity for the students to help them to overcome any fears and show that computers can
be fun and simple to use.
"It has proved to be an excellent two way learning curve for both the residents and the students;
they all seem to really enjoy the experience and time spent together."
Residents are learning how to create their own newsletter including the views and news given by
other residents living at the scheme. One resident, Valmae Irving, aged 83 has been given a laptop
by her son who lives in Australia and the students have helped her to set it up and taught her how
to send emails so she can regularly communicate with him.
Valmae said: "I love being around young people as I miss my grandchildren and the boys have been
fantastic. I was so excited the first time I received an email back from my son; I know I still
have a lot to learn but I think its going to change my life." Invicta Telecare and Russet Homes are
both part of Circle Anglia - one of the UK's leading providers of affordable housing.