Erewash Borough Council is backing a special ‘Sus-IT’ event being held in Ilkeston next month to promote digital technology to older people and help get them connected to the world of computers.
The informal event is being held at Cotmanhay Enterprise Centre on Friday 19th March between 12noon and 3pm and is aimed at residents over the age of 50 – but places are limited and need to be booked in advance.
Called ‘Improving Everyday Life: Getting Connected to Public Services’, the event has also been supported by several other key organisations, including the local Primary Care Trust, Age Concern, Community Concern Erewash, Erewash Partnership and Erewash CVS.
Residents will have the chance to chat to staff from the organisations to find out what public services are on offer locally and how digital technology can have a positive impact on people’s lives.
Speakers at the event will include some older residents, who will tell how using computers has enhanced their lives – while other guests will discuss how people can access services on-line.
Free transport to take people from home to the event is available and a free lunch is also provided. Anyone wanting to book a place or request transport should content Aimee or Julie on 0115 932 8792.
Councillor Chris Corbett, Leader of Erewash Borough Council, said:
“We are delighted to be supporting this event and are completely committed to the campaign to introduce older people to new technology and show how it can help provide a better and more independent future for them. So many services can be accessed now on-line, which can make life easier for those older people who have mobility problems or live in more rural and isolated areas.
“There is also much enjoyment that computers can bring to the lives of the so-called ‘silver surfers’ who discover the internet and the world of email – which keeps them in contact with family and friends.”
Sus-IT is a research project funded by the national New Dynamics of Ageing initiative, the largest research programme on ageing ever mounted in the UK. It aims to identify the challenges faced by older people using computers and find ways to help them have the confidence and competence to use new technologies.
Research gathered at the end of the nationwide five-year project will impact on policy decisions and scientific, technology and design choices that will make sure that older people will enjoy better quality lives.
