pat-scrimshawThe Lighthouse Project is a UKonline Centre and we help people learn computer skills that help improve their lives and their ability to connect with the world.
Here is a Case study from another UKonline Centre that shows how these simple skills can radically change and improve your life – read on.

When the manager at her sheltered housing scheme told Pat Scrimshaw, 64, about some new computer classes they were running, Pat initially dismissed the idea.

But after a few classes she credits computers and the internet for giving her a whole new outlet in life, and now she can’t wait to learn more.

Pat says: “When Dawn told me about the computer classes I thought, ‘well that’s not for me, I’m that thick I’d never get the hang of it’. That’s pretty much what I told Dawn, but she persuaded me they really were for complete beginners, so I thought I’d give them a go!

Gresley Road is a sheltered housing complex run by Sanctuary Housing, and in partnership with local UK online centre Doncaster West Development Trust and headed up by Scheme Manager Dawn Morris, they set up a series of classes on site, aimed at elderly and disabled residents.

Pat has been wheelchair bound for most of her life, and admits that despite the support of her husband and scheme staff, she can feel isolated.

After some persuasion I thought I’d give them ago, it was another chance to get out of my bungalow and see people, and I’m so glad I did it. It’s been wonderful.

“I was terrified going in that first day. I’ve got an old laptop at home and I can just about turn it on and off, but that’s about it. After that I’m completely flummoxed! I’m always petrified I’m going to press the wrong button, crash the thing, or get some sort of virus or something. But the tutor, Sue, soon put my mind at rest. She had the patience of a saint, and she made it FUN. Well, that made me relax and I think you learn more that way – once you’re comfortable. Don’t get me wrong, I still needed showing the same thing two of three times before it sank in, but that’s exactly what Sue did!

“We had a great time doing the basics as a group, and then Sue spent some one-to-one time with each of us talking about our personal interests and showing us what the computer and this internet could do. I was amazed! I had no idea you could do so much. I’ve not had much education so my spelling isn’t great – but the computer can check it all for you.

You can keep in touch with people on the email and this Facebook, and see all the pictures and snaps people take. Sue showed me how to upload pictures from my camera, and I think it’s going to be so useful – especially over the winter. Because I can’t get out in the ice I often go weeks without seeing anyone but my husband! This way I can keep in touch from my laptop.

“It’s my hobbies that really keep me going, and my big passion is making dolls houses. It can get quite expensive buying all the bits and bobs you need, but there’s loads of information and ideas on the internet, and tips and templates I can use to make my own things. It’s already saved me money, and brought a whole new dimension to my hobby.

“I’ve still got a lot to learn, but I know that I can do it now, with a bit of help and a bit of practice. I loved the sessions so much I even rearranged hospital appointments to make sure I was there! Don’t tell my Doctors! The classes have finished now and I really miss them – there’s so much more I want to know.

It’s amazing how it’s already become part of my life. The router they set up for me broke the other day and I was in tears. When they finally sorted it out I was on the internet just exploring and looking around for about four hours straight! I finally went back to bed at 6am.

“Learning about the computer and the internet has also given me more confidence with other bits of technology, because I’m not scared of it any more. I’ve even learnt to text on my phone – something I couldn’t do before – and it’s a great way to stay in touch with my daughter.

“Sue doesn’t know it, but she’s given me a new outlet in life, and a new outlook too. I’d say to anyone else like me who used to be scared of all this stuff, just find a UK online centre, find a tutor like Sue, and give it a go. It’s opened up whole new worlds to me, and it’s safe to say I’m hooked. Everything is going to be online soon – and I want to be a part of that. I want to be on Facebook, I want to be ordering my prescriptions online – all of that. Like anything else, you just need someone to explain it all to you, and then you’re away. And if I can do it, anyone can.

If this story has inspired you why not ask about doing a similar course here at the Lighthouse Project and see how your life can be changed around!

Original article taken from UKonline Centres news 18th Sept 2014