Spirita residents get the power of the Internet
Fourteen enterprising Spirita residents, led by Janet Ratcliffe from Rugby Road, West Bridgford, will soon be surfing the Internet thanks to funding from Spirita’s Community Chest, Digital Unite and Virgin Media.
The funding has been invested in two computers, broadband access and training to help older people living in Spirita schemes on Rugby Road, Lutterell Court and Walcote Drive in West Bridgford, learn basic IT skills.
A reception has been held where representatives from Spirita and Digital Unite met with the residents to celebrate the launch of the scheme.
An experienced IT user herself, Janet Ratcliffe explained that she felt that it would help people enormously if they could use a PC, send emails to their family and friends and search the internet for information – particularly as more organisations use the internet as their primary source of information distribution.
“I applied for the funding more in hope than expectation, so I was thrilled when it all came together,” she said. “Thanks to Digital Unite we have professional training for 14 people, and then these residents and I will be able to help other people learn these skills.
“I’m so grateful to all those who have helped us. We believe that this facility, which is based in the Community Centre on Rugby Road, will also help create some proper community spirit in the local community. I’m really looking forward to watching people enjoy their new abilities. ”
The initial 14 ‘students’ are ready to start their course. When the training is completed they will be able to book time on the PCs, with the confidence that Janet is close by to help them if they get stuck.