Many elderly people are keen to embrace new technology and, for those that have, it has opened up a whole new world. One gentleman in particular was thrilled that he could now communicate with his grandchildren in Scandinavia, and having learned how to use Skype is now able to see and speak to them online. That said, learning about IT can be intimidating, especially for the elderly.

Timelines Community IT opened its doors in Farsley for the first time in July 2016. Set up by Julie Kirby and myself, Tony Holmes, we are a Community Interest Company* offering IT tuition and support for the over 50s. Julie and I have an excellent working chemistry which fosters an atmosphere within the classroom where adults can feel comfortable and relaxed as they seek to overcome the mysteries of the digital age and become a part of it as opposed to being detached from it. Sessions have a maximum of eight people where you can learn without fear of asking questions and no one is made to feel stupid if they have trouble understanding anything. Neither Julie nor I have forgotten what it’s like to learn.

Just as important as the learning is the strong social element to everything we do, and many friendships have been formed. We have just started a regular coffee and cake morning, and over the next few weeks we are looking to start a book/Kindle club.

A large number of our learners are in their 70s, and some are in their 80s. They are a huge inspiration and proof that elderly people are just as keen to take on new challenges as the younger generation is.

Our hope from this appeal is that yourself and others will feel that what we are offering is worthy of people’s support. If we are able to reach our target, this will allow Julie and myself to take a small part-time wage and continue our work with the elderly throughout 2017.

(*A CIC is eligible to pay salaries and make a profit, but by law all profits must go back into work done for the benefit of the community.)