International Day of Older People

As October draws to a close Computer Friendly have been supporting International Day of Older People in the St Albans area. Four events in total were planned in Wheathampstead (Oct 21st), St Albans (Oct 23rd), Redbourn (Oct 24th) and London Colney (Oct 28th) and Computer Friendly had a stall at each event getting our message out about the support we offer and the courses we run to people who need our support. Below is a photograph of our team at Redbourn.


International Day for Older Persons is a United Nations initiative from the early 1990s to respond to the opportunities and challenges of population ageing in the 21st century and to promote the development of a society for all ages.

Computer Friendly during COVID

What did Computer Friendly do during COVID restrictions?

2020 was a challenging year in so many ways. Computer Friendly had to adapt nearly everything we did to be able to support those who were in need, isolated and vulnerable.

  • Helped 93 people over the phone or via email to resolve their device issues.
  • Gave away over 388 Laptops, 99 Tablets (59 iPads & 40 Android) and 19 Smartphones.
  • Recycling donated laptops proved very beneficial to some isolated families and we had a team of volunteers (now scaled back to 5) involved in data cleansing and upgrading old laptops.
  • Supported Herts Leavers from Care; Herts Refugees; Herts Carers; MIND in Mid Herts people with mental health issues, and some people who have suffered abuse and domestic violence.
  • Ran our first few courses/workshop online (via Zoom) on Excel, Word and Zoom.
  • Started a trial of a Covid safe Drop-in at the Quaker Meeting House, Harpenden, although we had to pause it during Lockdown.
  • Started work on a new website and a review of our client database system.

The Office of The Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire has complimented us for our efforts, “ You really were and continue to be worthy of the Queens Award for Voluntary Service”.