‘Learning Together’ is a new intergenerational project created by Derwen that offers a tailored approach to teaching their residents to become digitally savvy, whilst giving young people supported by our care services, the opportunity to become digital champions.
The Millennium Stadium Charitable Trust, which provides financial support to inspiring projects throughout Wales, awarded Derwen £2200 worth of funding to enable them to develop the project, aimed at helping to tackle the growing problem of social isolation in the over 55s.
Derwen is working closely with fellow Pobl Group organisations Solas, Gwalia and Charter to recruit the young volunteers.
Over 10 volunteers were initially recruited to assist in the training, which 17 residents took part in over 8 sessions. The training was individually tailored to each resident’s needs and level of ability.
Harriet Bleach, Derwen’s Community Engagement Officer, is really pleased with how the project is going so far: “We’re excited to be able to help Derwen residents learn digital skills that will make the most difference to them personally”.
“It has been fantastic working with other part of the Group and is a great basis for future partnership working. We are delighted the volunteers appear to have enjoyed the experience as much as our residents’’
Ellis, one of the volunteers said: “it was a really good experience, to have the opportunity to help brilliant people in a brilliant environment. I would definitely do this again in a heartbeat”.
When Mrs Elshaw started the sessions she had basic skills and not much confidence in using her tablet. After 5 sessions she now knows how to buy and sell on eBay, use comparison sites, maps, Google earth, YouTube, email, skype, FaceTime, PayPal, find songs, and has sent an email to Derwen staff. Mrs Elshaw said she “thoroughly enjoyed it”.
Following the success of the sessions, Derwen will repeat the training over the coming months.
Article added: 16th May 2017
