Access IT
SOLIHULL SURFERS CELEBRATE SUCCESS
60 Solihull residents are celebrating their new found PC prowess thanks to a £70,000 initiative offering free IT equipment and training.
The Learning and Skills Council-funded ‘Access IT’ scheme has been providing people with disabilities and those on low incomes with a free computer and internet access in their homes plus training at a computer club or one-to-one via a computer ‘buddy’. It has proved so successful that nearly 90% of those who have taken part now use a computer most if not every day.
“Access IT has opened up opportunities for people that they wouldn’t otherwise have had access to,” says project coordinator Bob Walklate. “For people with disabilities, it has helped to get them connected with family and friends via email and social networks. For people on low incomes, it has helped them look for work and improve their skills for the workplace,” explains Bob.
Les Bicknell, a learner at Hobs Moat Library club said that the scheme “changes lives for people”, acknowledging how the unfailing patience of the teachers and volunteers have helped him understand and make the most of his new equipment.
Access IT is a partnership between computer recycling and training charity ReCOM and SUSTAiN, Solihull’s support organisation for voluntary and community groups. Related Link