Legacy
Legacy
Please note: this post is 89 months old and The Cares Family is no longer operational. This post is shared for information only
Every month, as part of the SLC social clubs programme we organise two technology workshops. The first takes place every second Monday, in a venue that's just a 5-minute walk from either Blackfriars or Southwark station – perfect if you’re a freelancer, or able to take a long lunch. The second session happens every third Saturday in Herne Hill, which is ideal if you find it difficult to volunteer during the week.
The biggest myth about helping out at tech workshops is that you need to be some kind of gadget expert, but you absolutely don’t. The only skills required are those you already take for granted in your daily life: how to send a text, use a tablet or surf the internet.
The tech workshop format is simple: older neighbours bring along their own devices (phones, tablets, laptops) for practical advice. The most common questions generally relate to texting, downloading apps or setting up an email account.
In today’s digitised London, vital services such as banks, councils and even doctors surgeries are increasingly taking their information access online. This digitisation is often seen as opening up information, but for some of our older neighbours, navigating tech and the internet can be daunting. And if they can’t access the information or services they need, it can exacerbate feelings of isolation.
That’s why tech focused social clubs are such a vital resource for older neighbours. They provide a platform for skills sharing in a comfortable, friendly environment. Often a question about setting up an email account may only take 15 minutes, but with that new ability comes new confidence and a new friendship – as practical questions also double as great icebreakers! After coming along to her first club 11 months ago, older neighbour Bola told us: "I felt so in the dark before today - now I can't wait to put my new skills into practice!". Since then she's mastered WhatsApp, Facebook and Citymapper.
At every club there are always fantastic moments: whether that's when neighbours completely new to the internet discover YouTube, and with it online piano tutoring, or Google Earth, so are able to take virtual trips around the world.
And if you don’t know the answer to a question, it’s no problem at all. There's always Google if you’re stuck. Your older neighbours also know you’re not experts, so they’re not expecting any kind of professional service. Often, the fact that you’re taking the time to share your knowledge in the first place means as much to Albert, Beatrice and co as answering their question.
We’re almost always in need of volunteers for these social clubs, because as you can imagine, one-on-one chats work best. Within a few hours you could arm your older neighbours with a new skill, and with it, a whole new world of connection. In the words of 82-year-old newbie neighbour Georgiana: "who knew so much wisdom could be exchanged in two hours?!".