Luminus, the eastern region’s Premium Brand housing provider, held its first Computer and Internet Skills Course for over 65s, in partnership with Huntingdon Regional College.

The course was held at Park View, a great quality, extra-care facility for older people in Huntingdon. Level 2 IT learners from Huntingdon Regional College led the session, all volunteering their time to help local residents get to grips with computers and help them to get online.

Charlotte Tolley, Support Services Manager at Luminus, coordinated the visit and said:

“It was a great opportunity for residents to learn the basics of how to get online, and they really enjoyed the experience. It was a really successful course, and we hope to host more like this in the future, to help residents keep in contact with friends and family online and to improve their overall wellbeing.”

While technology can be daunting, especially for older people, this course gave residents the chance to familiarise themselves with computers and the internet at their own pace, with one-to-one support.

The learners helped the residents to create their own email accounts so that they could surprise their grandchildren by sending messages to them.

Dr Chan Abraham, Luminus Group Chief Executive, said:

“We’re delighted to be working with Huntingdonshire Regional College to offer residents the opportunity to learn new skills and get online. To see local students volunteering to help others in this way is remarkable, and it sets a great example to the whole community. By working in partnership, together, we can make progress along The Road to Renewal towards a better future.”