Gerry gives Over 50s lessons in how to surf

I REMEMBER the day when I was first shown how to use a computer. I was a young man but even so I found it rather daunting learning how to use a mouse, how to scroll through pages and how to adapt from an old typewriter to the machine of the future.

So if it was stressful for me at a young age, imagine what it is like for someone in later life having to learn a new skill and also learn how to surf the internet, send emails, and write letters on a keyboard when for most of their life they have been used to a writing pad and pen.

Enter Gerry Thornton, an IT expert from Leigh-on-Sea who decided to use his expertise with computers to set up a company training people over 50 to use PCs. www.iComputeIT.co.uk was born and is giving people aged 50-plus in Essex a new lease of life.

Imagine what a thrill for some elderly people being able to ‘talk’ to their families and their grandkids via the internet, being able to send emails to their loved one’s, and being able to learn a new skill at a time when most of us are winding down and looking to relax rather than learn.

iComputeIT is a community interest "not for profit" company providing basic computer skills training to people aged 50 or above, either to individuals in their own homes or to groups of up to six people in venues such as community centres, churches and sheltered accommodation.

iComputeIT offers bespoke computer training lessons tailored to the customers own level of knowledge and requirements covering everything from setting up a computer to sending emails, surfing the web and using web cameras, copying photographs onto a computer from a digital camera, transferring old vinyl records onto a computer, as well as learning about making cheap telephone calls via the internet and the importance of using of anti-virus programs.

Gerry Thornton launched iComputeIT in early January with a free ‘taster training session’ at The Stables, in Leigh. This was the first of many such initiatives aimed at raising the profile of what iComputeIT has to offer the community – gentle, relevant and effective training limited to six people per course session ensuring that personal attention is given according to each individual’s needs and requirements.

“I’ve worked in computing for years and just recently my mum and her friends have been asking me to show them how to keep in touch by email and webcam – with each other and with their relatives abroad,” said Gerry.

“Of course I was happy to help them, and it made me think that perhaps there were other people locally who needed a bit of help with setting up their computers or with the basics of getting started, so I arranged this taster session, and it’s all escalated from there!.

“Not everyone feels at home in a formal learning environment, such as a college, and I will be limiting my training to six people per session, so that everyone gets individual attention according to their needs. Local clubs can book courses for their members, or individuals can book onto my courses.

“If it suits the person better, I will also go to their homes and help them there. I’m now looking forward to receiving lots of e-cards, emails and photos from all over the place, as my trainees gain the confidence they need to get them surfing!”, he said.

Services Offered:

Basic computer skills training to people aged 50 or above, either individually one to one, to customers in their own homes or to groups of up to six people in venues such as community centres, churches and sheltered accommodation.

If you’d like to book a place or need further information call Gerry on 01702 479021, email him at gerry@icomputeit.co.uk or visit http://www.icomputeit.co.uk.