Author Archives: Ian Williamson

Computer Friendly helps Shirley complete a book of life stories

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Computer Friendly helped Shirley to use Storyworth to write a book of life stories.  She was then able finish her book and so happy to see it in print that she sent us this wonderful “Thank You.”
Over a year ago my granddaughter gifted a year’s Storyworth subscription to me to write a book of life stories.   I immediately found difficulties inserting and sizing photos and generally kept meeting obstacles but I was so lucky to meet David Forbes, a  volunteer, at the Computer Friendly DropIn at The Hub in the Civic Centre.  He guided me through my book which I signed off recently and am extremely excited to see it in print.  
The people of St Albans and surrounding area are so lucky to have the benefit of expert tuition from a team of volunteers, each one skilled in every aspect of computer technology plus their patience and friendliness is beyond compare.
I am in my ninetieth year and have many more stories to tell.  If I decide to write volume two , the lead chapter will be praising my recent learning experience with David and the tuition I have had previously from other members of the team.
                              Thanks, a Billion Computer Friendly
The DropIn is held at the HUB on the First Wednesday of every month.

Mayor of St Albans visits Dropin at Marshalswick

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David in explanation mode…..

We were pleased to welcome the Mayor of St Albans Cllr Anthony Rowlands accompanied by his Lady Mayoress Annie Stevenson to our regular Thursday DropIn at Marshalswick Baptist Free Church – not just to visit but to get help and advice!

Anthony:

‘I was delighted to visit one of Computer Friendly drop-in sessions along with the Mayoress, Annie Stevenson.  As someone who would regularly score a low  B- in any IT test, I know all too well how frustration can set in when digital confusion strikes.

Three cheers, then, for Computer Friendly who provide essential support to those of us who have not learned some of the basic competencies through the world of work or are regularly  baffled. They are a lifeline for so many in a world where living without basic IT skills is becoming harder.’

Annie:

Computer Friendly provides a vital service to prevent the social exclusion of older people who have lived through the digital revolution later in life, having been forced to adjust to a computerised world that was unknown in their formative years. Sadly, through the lens of age discrimination, older people’s worlds can become smaller and it is vital they are empowered and stay connected to their communities plus having all the benefits of being comfortable with technology that younger people enjoy. Even more important with the cost of living crisis. 

 It is not just a social issue, it’s a fundamental health issue as increasingly it is impossible to access essential services without going online. The digital divide  increases loneliness and isolation, the scourge of our society that the Mayor’s theme is highlighting. Computer Friendly is an essential service for older people to prevent decline in their physical and mental health and quality of life. We are so fortunate to have them in our district. 

get a buzz out of helping people

Do you get a buzz out of helping people?

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Can you use an Apple iPad or Android tablet?

Why not give a bit of your time helping our students, mainly older people, to get online with their new tablets, either Android or Apple? We always need help with our  ‘Starting Off With’ courses running in St Albans and Harpenden. The feedback we get from our students is great to read!

Click on Getting Involved and complete our Volunteer Enquiry form, or call our Courses helpline and they will put you in touch with our Volunteer Coordinator to discuss what is involved.

Ring 01727 617359 (mon, weds, ri 10am-1pm) or email volunteering@computerfriendly.org.uk for more information!

Heroes of Hertfordshire

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Heroes of Hertfordshire

In addition to the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service we are delighted to have received a “Heroes of Hertfordshire” certificate from Robert Voss, Lord-Lieutenant, as thanks for the support we have given the people of Hertfordshire in recent times.