Digital skills programme connects Pontypool resident with loved ones living abroad

Eighty-six year old Pontypool man Fred Marshall is less worried about being lonely these days thanks to a grass roots programme which aims to get everyone in Wales using the internet.

The ex-steelworker Fred Marshall, 86, from New Inn in Torfaen believes that the training he received at his local care centre under the Communities 2.0 scheme has revolutionised his life, by allowing him to speak face-to-face with his daughter who lives in Malta whenever he likes for free via Skype.

Armed with the training he received, Fred has also gained the ability to monitor his banking online, keep in touch with friends via social networking sites and listen to the music he likes best via the web.

Over the past five years the Welsh Government funded programme has provided free computer training and support for over 42,000 people and hundreds of community organisations across Wales’ EU-Convergence areas. The training, delivered in local venues such as libraries, is tailored to the needs of individual learners; ranging from basic computer and internet skills to bespoke training on particular programs or mobile devices.

Now the scheme is being expanded to cover all areas of the country, as the organisers of Communities 2.0 step up their efforts to ensure everyone gains the skills and knowhow to take advantage of the internet and digital technology generally.

Fred was encouraged to take part the free Communities 2.0 training by his daughter Shelly, who now lives in Malta. She recognised that Skype would allow them to speak as often as they liked for free using the laptop Fred already owned.

Fred cannot praise the Community 2.0 training highly enough, saying:

“My daughter read about the courses in our local paper when she was home on a visit from Malta. She told me that using Skype would mean that we could talk as often as we liked for free.”

“The training has been excellent; I took my own laptop with me and they showed me how to do whatever I needed. I don’t just use the computer for Skype, I now listen to music, use Facebook and check my bank account online.

“I can continue with the training for as long as I like, there’s no limit. You can do anything on the internet. I have a friend on the course that has an interest in local history and with a few clicks he can find any information he likes. I think everyone should take advantage of this training and the internet.”

Prior to the tuition, Fred had little-to-no computer and internet skills. The training, which was conducted at the local Torfaen Care Centre, was tailored to Fred’s specific requests.

Commenting of the success to date, Cathryn Marcus, Project Director of Communities 2.0, said:

“We are delighted to announce Communities 2.0 is now available in all areas of Wales. To date, thousands who would otherwise remain digitally isolated, have now discovered the rewards of being online.

“Connecting pensioners with loved ones living abroad via Skype; providing unemployed people with qualifications and the ability to find work, and; ensuring disabled individuals can access skills they thought unobtainable; these are just a few examples what is now available to every person in Wales. Now is the time to get online!”

The Welsh Government and European Regional Development Funded programme provides training free of charge to Welsh residents and is delivered through partnerships with public libraries, job centres and community buildings.

Information on free adult ICT session with Communities 2.0 is available from 0845 474 8282 or from local libraries, drop-in centres, post offices or other community venues.