My Proud Achievement

Five years ago two friends and I set up a voluntary organisation called Keeping in Touch Edinburgh (KiTe) which introduced older people to computers by removing the fear around technology. ​​

Why should older people be excluded from technology in the 21st century and miss out on keeping in touch with friends and family as well as saving money by shopping online?

My inspiration for this project came from my elderly mother in law who used her laptop everyday for email, shopping, photography, following osprey webcams and general surfing the net. Now, at 94 she has moved into a care home and has frequently mentioned that she would be lost without her iPad as she shows fellow residents interesting websites and emails family. She cannot understand why the other residents do not seem to use a computer or a mobile phone!

KiTe entered into a partnership with Viewpoint Housing Association in 2010 and we delivered beginner classes and computer clubs in three different sheltered housing units with all classes free to the the residents. Initially very few of our participants owned their own equipment but five years on we find most people use either a laptop, iPad or other tablets. The increased level of confidence is incredible and there are numerous individual successes which could be listed. The social side is equally important and there is always time for tea alongside technology. One 93 year old received her first ever computer in the form of an iPad for her 90th birthday from her family with an inscription on the back, “My first computer” ­ she once said to me that she thought she was too stupid to use a computer and nowadays she is out taking photos, sending emails and following her family’s website … fantastic!

We have proven that small, voluntary community groups can deliver a successful and valuable service. There are skilled people in our communities prepared to volunteer and share their area of expertise. As a result of our volunteers’ dedication we were shortlisted for the Scottish Charity Awards (Community Action 2013) and Runner Up “Older People’s Service of the Year” in the Age Scotland Award 2013.

I am so proud of what has been achieved over the last five years and will treasure all the friendships made. My two fellow directors and I have a fantastic relationship which make running an organisation so much easier. Sadly the organisation is ceasing to exist when I retire next month but thankfully a friend and colleague will continue our computer clubs so the fun will carry on.

Bracken showing off her IT skills!

Written by: Tish Chalmers May 2015