Surfing at Somme Park

And they didn’t even get their feet wet as the lessons, which were provided by a local business volunteer William Robinson, were part of an annual event, organised by Business in the Community and supported by the Department of Finance and Personnel, designed to help older people get online.

Current statistics show that 91 per cent of people over 65 years of age have never used the internet and today’s lessons provided a taster of what the internet can offer older users and helped them gain the essential IT skills to get started.

Somme Park is one of 18 Clanmil sheltered housing schemes throughout Northern Ireland where the facilities provided include computer equipment for use exclusively by tenants.

Colette Moore, Clanmil’s Director of Housing said: “We encourage our tenants to lead active lives and getting online is one of the ways in which we help them stay connected with friends, family and the world wide community.

“These newly acquired computer skills will enable more of our tenants to use e-mail and try out activities like on-line shopping and banking.”

Mr Patrick McLaughlin, already a Silver Surfer at Somme Park, was keen to learn more.

He said: “William, our volunteer from Business in the Community was really informative. His IT knowledge and skills were great.

“He taught me lots of new things like how to edit my photos and insert music.”