A new project encouraging senior residents within district to become more active and confident online has been launched this week.

The Digital Learners Community Project will help the elderly and members of Voluntary Action Epping Forest (VAEF) through one-to-one ‘digital buddies’ training sessions.

Drop-in digital skills workshops will cover a variety of topics from how to book and order services online, to how to video-call family and friends.

VAEF chief executive, Jacqui Foile said: “In a world driven by progress in technology, information communications technology can transform how we work, live and play.

“It has the potential to improve the quality of later life; to create social networks that tackle isolation and loneliness and transform services to help people live independently at home for longer.

“The Digital Learners project will help local residents that lack confidence or skills in using computers, tablets and smart phones to overcome these barriers and live more independent and connected lives.”

We are also trying to find places across the district to become digital homes they will have a technology company consultant come in and set up voice activate technology and sensors and ways to help them if they have physical or memory learning barriers and we will arrange visits and encouraging them to purchase the products themselves.

The project is also looking for members to trial their ‘digital homes’ scheme for those with physical or memory learning barriers to test voice activate technology and sensors.

The pilot project is part of a West Essex partnership with Rainbow Services, Harlow and Uttlesford CVS funded by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

It sits within a broader Essex-wide programme called ‘Digital Boomers’, aiming to ensure older people in Essex are the most tech-confident in the world by 2021.

Project co-ordinator, Nick Robinson, added: “We are hoping that there are many people in the district who are going to be interested in becoming a digital buddy or have neighbours or relatives who they want to encourage to become a digital learner.

“You don’t need to be an expert in new technology to become a digital buddy and it has the potential to become a really fun and rewarding hobby.”

“The scheme can help dispel many internet safety myths and as many services now which you could book over the phone are now becoming increasingly only online.

“A lot of older people who I have seen in the last week who have smart phones and tablets but don’t have the confidence to use them on their own. It’s about trying help reinforce these skills and help them feel more independent and connected.”

The Digital Learners Community Project will be available until the end of the calendar year.

Visit the website: digitalboomers.org.uk or contact Voluntary Action Epping Forest directly on: 01992 910 701 for more information.