Residents provided with free IT training

Mimi Poulaud, Joyce Wharton, John Green (Chairman of the tenants and residents association), Jim Ross (Secretary), Sue Green and Gwen Hill enjoy a meeting of the computer club

Residents in Moorclose, Junction and Baytree can benefit from expert computer tuition after their tenants and residents association successfully bid for £3,300 to provide the training as part of RBH’s Our Choice scheme, which gives residents the chance to decide how money should be spent in their neighbourhood.

A computer club currently meets each week at the Community Base offering the chance to socialise while using the IT equipment. Following the funding award an additional group will now be set up with a tutor on hand to provide advice and support.

Whether it’s for job hunting, applying for benefits, keeping in touch with friends and family, making greetings cards or simply having fun, people of all ages are welcome to come along to the free two-hour sessions.

John Green, Chairman of Moorclose Junction and Baytree Tenants and Residents Association, said: “We live in a world where it’s getting increasingly difficult to communicate if you don’t have IT skills. It’s hard to look for work without a computer while Universal Credit will have to be applied for online.

“These sessions are a great opportunity for people to come along and get the knowledge they need at the same as making new friends.

“As well as all the practical benefits, we hope that bringing residents together in this way will help strengthen our community spirit.”

One person already attending computer sessions at the Community Base is 94-year-old Mimi Poulaud, who uses Skype to talk to her son, Serge, in Guadalupe in the Caribbean.

Mimi said: “I have been coming to the sessions for about three years and enjoy them very much.

“An important part for me is being able to communicate with friends and family and look at the photographs they send.”

The sessions will be held at the Community Base, 36 Fern Close, Middleton M24 2FZ.

Organisers will decide the date and time of the weekly lessons once they have heard what is convenient for those wanting to attend. Options include Monday to Friday mornings or Tuesday and Thursday afternoons.

If you are interested in joining please call 0161 654 0465 leaving your name, number and preferred time.

Jonathan Walton, RBH Engagement Manger, said: “The IT training is a great example of the benefits that Our Choice is bringing to neighbourhoods across the borough.

“The new sessions will equip people will skills that could potentially transform their lives and bring people of all ages together to build a real sense of community.”