United Welsh teams up with Adult Learning Wales to help residents learn new digital skills

Residents have been learning how to use technology – while having fun exploring their interests – on a digital skills course with Adult Learning Wales.

United Welsh has teamed up with Adult Learning Wales to support residents in our communities at Plas Hyfryd in Caerphilly, Ifor Jones Court in Llanedeyrn, Cardiff, and Glan Yr Afon in New Tredegar to learn new digital skills.

The course teaches residents how to use technology such as computers, mobile phones and iPads, as well as providing advice about staying safe online.

They do this by using the internet to research things that interest them, or which may be helpful, with the support of tutors from Adult Learning Wales.

It is proving popular with residents since being launched at Plas Hyfryd last September, with the class having grown in numbers from four to 10.

Nicole Kinnaird, Information and Communication Technology tutor at Adult Learning Wales, said the residents guide what they want to learn.

“I teach them about how to stay safe online, online banking, online scams, but I also have a look at things that interest them such as going away on holiday,” Nicole said.

“We’ve got a lovely lady who really enjoys karaoke, so we have a look at YouTube and all the songs that she can sing.

“It’s not just the digital literacy skills that they are learning, it’s also important for the social aspect.

“They come along to sit down and chat, get to know each other, preventing them from becoming lonely and bringing them together as one.

“We have a great time, it’s lots of fun.”

As well as exploring their interests and hobbies online, the class also helps residents to use the internet safely and practically.

Nicole added:

“One of our residents found it really difficult to get to the shops, so I taught her how to use online shopping.

“I showed her the secure way of entering her debit card details, and now she has a basket that she adds items to when she does her online shop.”

Mark James, one of our Plas Hyfryd residents who has been doing the course since September, has been learning how to use the internet.

He said:

“I use the sessions to look at holidays, where I can go and what I can do.

“I like to meet my friends here as well, it’s a lovely place.”

The digital skills course is one of several which we run as part of our partnership with Adult Learning Wales.

Danielle Matthews, Customer Empowerment Lead at United Welsh, said:

“The digital skills sessions at Plas Hyfryd, Ifor Jones Court and Glan Y Afon have proven extremely popular.

“The course has grown in numbers and residents have learned valuable online skills, while enjoying the opportunity to research their interests on the internet.

“As well as the skills learned, the course also offers residents the opportunity to spend time together and get to know one another which we know is so important.”