I.T's a success!

Unity Housing Association and Connect Housing Association have recently set up and run an 8 week long computer workshop in partnership with Learn Direct.

The course aimed to promote digital inclusion to social tenants to help them adjust to the computer age. Those who attended the course acquired a basic understanding of how to use a computer including how to type with the keyboard, use the mouse, search the Internet and send emails.

These skills will are becoming increasingly important to tenants as they will help them prepare for some of the changes that Welfare Reform will bring. It will enable them to claim benefits online and use the Universal Jobsmatch service in order to find work.

The workshops are intended to help people seek welfare advice, save money on bills and get easier access to local services.

Those who attended the course were also taught how to search the Internet and use email. Mr Moran, Moortown, said that he had attended the course to help him keep in touch with his daughter, who does not live close by.

Those who attended the course were presented with a certificate to serve as recognition for their efforts and achievements. One of the participants, Ms Humphrey, Yeadon, said that:

‘This has been a life-changing experience. It has given me confidence and opened up new horizons for me.’

Owing to the success of the workshop programme, Unity, Connect and Learn Direct are planning on repeating them and are looking to encourage more tenants to make gain confidence using computers and online services.