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Published on Thursday, 19 January 2012 14:43

When buying a book, planning an outing or tracing a long lost friend, the internet is usually the first place most people will
look.

But not everyone understands how to use a computer, let alone access the World Wide Web.  So when tenants of Tai Calon Community Housing in Blaenau Gwent wanted to improve their IT skills they asked the organisation for help.

Community Investment and Involvement officer Natasha Jones said: "The tenants wanted to know more about information technology, such as how to access the internet, but in an informal setting.  They didn't necessarily want any qualifications at the end of the course, just to be able to use a computer."

The organisation arranged a four week taster course with a tutor supplied by Communities 2.0.  It was such a success the group, all from Ebbw Vale, have now started a ten week IT course, designed to help anyone, regardless of ability or age.

Julie Jones has had her computer for three years.  "This is the first time I have been able to use it properly, up until now Ihave just played with it.   It was such a waste having a computer and not knowing what to do.  I can now keep up withmy six grandchildren."

Jen Griffiths used a computer at work.  "I have been retired nearly five years and plan to buy my own PC.  I wanted to

come on a course to brush up my skills."

John Ball is a complete beginner.  He did start a course 18 months ago, but had to stop because of health problems.  "I understand a few things, like fonts and sizes and although I can type a letter, my wife Kath has to tidy it up for me.  I want to be able to do it all myself, so I wanted a course where I can start from scratch again. "

Mike Roberts has already obtained his OCN level one and two and been on an excel course.  "In the future everything will be web based.  If you want something or need to apply for something, it will all be done via on-line forms. I want to learn, because I didn't want to be the dinosaur left on the shelf."

Tutor, Cheryl Joseph, from Bridges into Work, says the course is designed for everyone, even those who have never

turned on a PC.  "Students learn the basic skills, how to access the web, write a letter and if they want, they can even go on and study for a qualification."

The two hour sessions are held, once a week at Tai Calon's offices at Solis One in Blaina.  Natasha Jones added: "We would really like to hear from other tenants interested in attending similar courses.  We are restricting class sizes to six per session so that everyone can get the individual help they need."

For more details contact Natasha Jones on 0300 303 1717.