Kirklees Neighbourhood Housing has teamed up with Montal Computer Services to install a communal internet connection and terminal-based computer. With support from the Citizens Online ‘Get IT Together’ project and the council, they are running weekly training sessions to help residents learn the basics of using a computer and browsing the internet. Volunteer trainers are working with the residents to help them search for their favourite hobby, save money on bills, keep in touch with friends, and access local information and services.
Helen O’Sullivan, project manager, Kirklees Neighbourhood Housing, said: “A significant number of our tenants, particularly the older ones, don’t have access to a computer and have never used one. The government plans to require new benefit claims to be made online so internet access in the future will not be a luxury, but a necessity.”
Colin Sales, managing director, Montal Computer Services, said, “As one of our key Digital Inclusion partners, Kirklees Neighbourhood Housing has developed an excellent business case for the technology and we are delighted to work with them to deliver the end-to-end solution.”
