Royal Wootton Bassett reaches out to senior citizens with IT initiatives

A café-style IT club for older people has launched in Royal Wootton Bassett, with the help of Under Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Stephen Williams.

Every morning the Withit café will continue to welcome visitors who can find out more about setting up their own tablets, using Skype, browsing the web, taking photos and downloading ebooks, with 50 senior citizens already signed up.

Jonathon Seed, cabinet member for libraries, has welcomed the development, saying: “This is a unique initiative and one that should be applauded. Today’s technology is not the preserve of the young and introducing senior citizens to the benefits of the internet can help to keep them involved in the community and avoid isolation and loneliness.”

Funding for the sessions has been made possible thanks to the local post office, after manager Rita Patel applied for funding and was able to secure the help of four regular volunteers.

MP Stephen Williams also commented: “The aim of the fund is to stimulate ideas for new ways that Post Offices can support their communities. It’s great to see the tremendous efforts that Rita has made in getting local people together, giving them the confidence to learn new skills.”

The scheme has initially found life in the local library, thanks to volunteers from Wiltshire Online, but now has its own café thanks to the community spirit the town has become known for.