IT skills for the 'lost' generations

ERoSH and IT company, Digital Unite, have joined forces to take on the task of skilling three 'lost' generations (aged 50-100+) to enable them to march across the so-called 'digital divide'.

To do this, they are encouraging the installation of IT training programmes in housing communities for older people. Older people stand to benefit most from the potential of modern communication and, paradoxically, are the least likely to have the opportunity and encouragement. They need special attention in order to reverse this.

Digital Unite (DU) has joined with ERoSH to create a landslide effect. The consortium's plan is to see older people embrace new technology in droves, a 'grey' army in cyberspace. Currently, only 20% of over 65s use the internet, and only 50% of those aged 55-64, compared to nearly 100% in younger age groups.

DU is a nationwide company whose ten-year-old mission has been to make sure every older person in the UK can have access to the appropriate training to enable them to become IT literate. As DU's Emma Solomon (MD) says: "You can't expect people to bump into computers and become IT literate; they need the right guidance to be able use technology appropriately."

ERoSH is equally passionate, understanding that the ability to communicate using technology is key to older people's ability to take charge of their lives and be full participants in decisions that affect them.

DU offers unique and innovative training programmes to tenants in sheltered housing; these tenants are among those least likely to otherwise enjoy the benefits of internet and email. Called DU Community Programmes (DUCPs), these learning projects use DU's network of local, empathic, skilled, monitored IT trainers to deliver the training one-to-one in tenants' communal rooms.

Linda Milton, ERoSH's Honorary Secretary, says, "We support the spirit, motives, quality and endeavour behind Digital Unite Community Programmes (DUCPs) in sheltered and retirement housing."

DUCPs work because the whole learning process is managed and monitored centrally by DU while trainers working locally have the time to develop personal relationships and to nurture learners. In addition, DUCPs use specially designed software which allows even the most basic learning to be put to use almost immediately in online community activities.  "After years of outreach training work, we realised that the most effective way of engaging and of skilling people was to make every step of the learning journey relevant and meaningful to individuals in the communities they lived in," says Emma Solomon.

"We had the idea to create specialised Community Programmes for older tenants in sheltered housing about three and a half years ago and the Housing Corporation supported an initial pilot programme in London. The results were so compelling we went on to develop and modify the approach and have now delivered over 30 DUCPs all over England, and have continued to achieve the same life-changing outcomes."

Large and small organisations run DUCPs and the funding for them comes from a variety of sources. The results are outstanding.  Approximately 85% of participants become independent IT users after a seven-hour course.

• "You have made such a difference to my life, I can hardly believe it," says Len Kitson, 80, East London.
• "Being online has really enabled me to get back my life," says Neil McDonald, in a sheltered scheme in Bexhill.
• "The DU Programme helps us fulfill our obligations to customers," says Investment Manager, Genesis Housing.
• "An inspirational project," say London East Learning and Skills Council (funders of the East London project). "The real benefit of this programme is not just about IT training. The social development, personal development and general quality of life for many customers have improved dramatically. Support workers have also stressed the positive impact on their lives."