We Love Lichfield Patron Simon Price Visits Computer Group Which Received Support From The Fund

We Love Lichfield, And Now Computers

We Love Lichfield’s Simon Price and Julian Fisher recently spent a morning with the Whittington Community Computer Club to see how the money the Fund has given to them is making a difference.

Started five years with the help of a We Love Lichfield grant, the group now consists of three weekly groups with over 70 people attending. John Gilbert, founder and organiser of the Club said: “We started with the aim of helping older people who needed support in using computers – things like staying in touch with family members via Skype. Many of our members are indeed over 65 and haven’t had much computer training or have experience, and yet want to use the technology to connect with people. Many have previously felt isolated and lonely. But now they have the skills to not only communicate with friends and family but also use the technology to watch films and TV programmes online, even pay their bills. We have professional IT trainers who look after everybody’s needs. Everyone goes at their own pace, there is no pressure.”

John’s wife Wendy is a fellow organiser. She said: “We have been supported by We Love Lichfield on a number of occasions and we can’t thank them enough. Their continued support has enabled us to provide not just an education service but create a friendship group. And not just in Whittington. We also have a new group at Lichfield Fire Station making three weekly sessions across the district.”

Wendy continued: “The group isn’t just about computers. We have some people who use the group because of friendship…some who are full-time carers use the sessions as a break in their duties which is extra special.”

The Club cover subjects including emails, Skype, social media including Facebook and Twitter, watching television and films online, cloud storage, paying bills and security and viruses. There are now three groups – Whittington Village Hall (Tuesdays 11:15-12:15), St Giles Hospice (Thursdays 1-3pm) and a new session at Lichfield Community Fire Station (Wednesdays 1-3pm).

Simon Price, Patron of We Love Lichfield said: “The Whittington Community Computer Club is why We Love Lichfield does what it does. The training given creates opportunities but also helps keep people safe online. It’s also a great friendship group and it was our privilege to pop in and see the Club in action and I’m not embarrassed to say some of the members knew more about computers than me.”

For more information on the computer club visit www.whittingtoncommunitycomputergroup.co.uk or call 01543 301690. To apply for grants across Lichfield district visit www.welovelichfield.com