Churchill Living is proud to have hosted a series of digital workshops at St Andrew's Lodge in Chippenham, designed to help the over 60’s community become more comfortable with modern technology. Age UK reported around 2.5 million elderly people are unable to complete tasks required to thrive in a digital society, including being able to communicate, to store and access information and content, carry out transactions, search for information and be safe online[1]. With that said, Churchill has partnered with AbilityNet, a charity focused on helping people embrace digital technology, to provide the necessary skills for locals.
The sessions were conducted by experienced trainer Lucy Walsh from AbilityNet and covered essential topics such as the basics of using smartphones, tablets, and computers, as well as important advice on staying safe on the internet and avoiding scams —a topic raised by many attendees before the workshop. These workshops helped simplify these processes, providing attendees with the skills they need to confidently use technology in their daily lives and stay connected with loved ones.
Liz, an Owner at St Andrews Lodge found these sessions particularly helpful, saying: “I found the session very informative and learnt lots of new information. My query about making online payments was solved, and I felt that the session about scams and how to stay safe using technology was really useful."
Another Owner, Les, spoke about the ongoing support from AbilityNet’s volunteers, saying: “I used the telephone number the afternoon after the first sessions and a volunteer attended my apartment the same evening to help me with my Smart TV. I was amazed at the quick response and help.”
Even more tech-savvy Owners like Phil found value in the workshops. “Even though I use my laptop and phone frequently and I am confident in using them, I thought the session was a brilliant introduction to new terms and phrases for those that want to get more out of their phone, laptop, or tablet. The speaker was engaging and clear.”
Jo Ridehalgh at Churchill Living said: “At Churchill Living, we are dedicated to providing our Owners with the tools and support they need to lead independent and fulfilling lives. Technology now plays a huge role in staying connected with family and friends, and we are delighted to have partnered with AbilityNet to host these important workshops. It is truly rewarding to see attendees growing more confident in using their devices and improving their online safety and we’re looking forward to rolling these out across further developments.”