Residents get connected for Get Online Week

Free Wi-Fi within communal lounges

Older people living across Oldham can now access free Wi-Fi within their communal lounges.

The free Wi-Fi being installed in 21 sheltered and Extra Care sites in Oldham allows residents and guests to access the internet for free.

The scheme is being launched during Get Online Week which will see thousands of events in communities across the nation to help some of the 7.4 million people in the UK who use the internet less than once a week, and the 11.5 million without basic digital skills.

It is hoped that the free Wi-Fi will encourage more people to get online and take advantage of benefits such as online shopping, skyping family members, having an email address and exploring genealogy, times for the local cinema or new knitting patterns.

Housing & Care 21 is looking to deliver basic digital skills sessions at sites where there is demand. There are already a number of IT clubs that currently run and there is potential to build on this and develop more opportunities for residents to be taught some basic IT skills.

Councillor Brownridge, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Cooperatives, said: “This is fantastic investment. Access to computers and the internet is so important in this day and age.

“Getting online has so many benefits to elderly people and we have a duty to ensure they are not being left in the dark. It opens a whole new world of possibility; from staying in touch with family, reuniting with old friends and shopping online.”

Janice Crompton, Housing Services Manager for Housing & Care 21, said: "We are delighted that Wi-Fi is being installed in our Courts around Oldham. We are working in partnership with a number of agencies to encourage people to get online.

"We are holding IT clubs and taster sessions for those who have never previously used IT equipment or who need a little help to explore the full potential of equipment such as computers, smart phones and tablets."