Community Chest grant helps Gainsborough residents get connected

Residents at Wintern Court in Gainsborough will be able to build their digital skills using modern, accessible equipment thanks to a grant.  

Wintern Court Community Centre has received the funding through our Community Chest Fund to purchase four Chromebook laptops and specialist rollerball mice for residents with arthritis or limited dexterity.  

The equipment will be used during the centre’s established digital sessions, which have been running every two weeks for more than a year with support from our Digital Empowerment Officer Ben Mills.  

The group – which is made up of people wanting to learn how technology can support their everyday lives – hopes to increase the frequency of its sessions and encourage more Wintern Court residents to participate.  

The existing laptops have become increasingly unreliable, with valuable session time often spent resolving technical problems.  Chromebooks were selected because they are lightweight, straightforward to use and require less maintenance than traditional laptops.  

The adapted mice will make the equipment more comfortable and accessible for older residents and those experiencing arthritis or reduced movement in their hands.  

Jean Hobson from Wintern Court Community Centre said: “Our digital sessions have become a really important opportunity for residents to learn together, help one another and become more confident with technology.  

“The people who attend are keen to develop their skills but our existing laptops are unreliable and can be difficult for some residents to use.  Too much of our time is currently spent trying to get the equipment working rather than learning something new.  

“These Chromebooks and adapted mice will make a huge difference, particularly for residents with arthritis or limited dexterity.  We are extremely grateful to Platform Housing Group for helping us make the sessions more accessible and enjoyable.”  

The new laptops will also be used for other community activities.  

Residents will be able to connect the devices to the centre’s projector during its increasingly popular seated exercise classes.  They will also use them to find, download and print recipes, supporting healthy eating and greater confidence online.  

Ben will help set it up and provide residents with training and ongoing support.  We have also helped with the cost of data for the centre’s WiFi unit.  

Darren Dodds, our Community Engagement Officer said: “Digital skills are increasingly important for managing everyday life, but a lack of suitable equipment can prevent people from getting online and enjoying the opportunities technology provides.  

“The residents at Wintern Court have already shown real enthusiasm and commitment to learning.  This grant will give them reliable, accessible equipment that meets their needs and allows more session time to be spent building their skills and confidence.  

“What makes this project particularly valuable is that the laptops will have benefits beyond digital sessions, They will support exercise classes, healthy eating and social interaction, helping residents remain active, connected and independent.”  

The group plans to launch the new equipment with support from Ben and hopes to expand participation across Wintern Court before the end of the year.  

Our Community Chest Fund supports projects that make a positive difference to our customers and the communities in which they live.   

Photo caption : A digital session at Wintern Court