For the past year the Dingle Online centre has been offering free tailored advice and training for any over 50 year olds in the local area. This project has allowed many ‘silver surfers’ to overcome barriers to IT access and begin surfing the net. The confidence to try new things, coupled with learning new skills, has allowed many pensioners to undertake things they might never have though they could. Families living abroad now receive regular e-mails from many Dingle Online students. Others enjoy custom made greetings cards and even jaunts to hotter climates booked using new found IT skills.

The visit was arranged by UK Online and Julie Mitchell, Senior Regional Manager UK online centres (Northwest) was also present.

The Wallasey MP chatted with some of our regular users including George Lund, Pete Whatman and Tony Carrol; all of whom use the centre regularly and have learnt their computer skills from the dedicated Dingle Online team. George, a local artist, uses the centre to upload and display his work online. Pete, an avid rugby league fan, booked and organised a holiday online which saw him follow the England Lions around South Africa this year. All were keen to meet the minister and share their views on the inclusion of the older members of society. Dingle Online offers a friendly and accommodating atmosphere for ‘silver surfers’ to learn and gain confidence, something which is invaluable to a section of society often excluded from training and skill building schemes.

Ms Eagle also toured the rest of the facility including our mobile IT Bus which allows state of the art computing equipment to be taken anywhere in order to provide access and training to those who might not otherwise enjoy the benefits of the internet and computing skills. The minister registered great interest in the steps being taken by Dingle Online to include the over 50s. We would like to thank Ms. Eagle for her time and support, as well as our silver surfers for their continued enthusiasm and commitment and to UK Online for making the visit possible. The afternoon was enjoyed by all.

If you are, or know, a potential silver surfer why not drop into Dingle Online and start surfing yourself. For information please call 0151 707 4351

See the Gallery below for pictures of the visit.