Summary
The programme is based on the Gulbenkian report on older people, technology and community: The benefits of technology… is how technology can foster improved social interaction, engaging older people in their communities and promote high quality face-to-face contact. It is a programme of informal digital skills development for residents over the age of 65 years living in Salford, funded by Public Health.
Key outcomes:
• Increase technology skills. 5 week course delivered by the voluntary sector in local community venues, with a paid tutor and volunteer wellbeing champion. Equipment is provided, people are encouraged to bring their own. The programme is delivered informally but uses a work book which the participants can take away with them as a reminder. The sessions include how to perform basic digital skills and internet searches, SKYPE, e-mail etc. Within two years 110 courses have been delivered with 940 people completing a course.
• Reduce Loneliness and isolation. Built into the course is refreshment time and conversation to encourage people to get to know each other. Following the course many participants have reported back that they use their newly learnt skills to skype family and friends. Others become volunteer wellbeing champions.
• Better able to manage long term conditions: The programme includes the opportunity for people to purchase reduced cost equipment. People continue to use the equipment for: information, learning and communication. 55% said they are using technology to help manage their health and wellbeing, such as booking GP appointments via email and one respondent told us she can now order her food shopping online and have it delivered when her osteoporosis was bad and she couldn’t leave the house.
Tech and Tea Evaluation Report
Website: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/salford/our-services1/afa/
Key facts
Main target group: Older people in general
Other target group(s): Older people living alone, older people with mobility challenges
Sector(s): Information and communication
Desired outcome for older people:
Learn, grow and make decisions
- Ageism
- Accessibility
- Inequities
- Technologies