Senior citizens journey into cyberspace

Clare Adamson MSP cutting the ribbon with Trust housing coordinator Tricia Djuritschek and Mission Place tenant May Dougan

The residents of the sheltered housing complex, run by Trust Housing Association, now have full access to computer equipment and free WIFI with staff encouraging them to access the Internet for exercise videos, news, music and radio and to Skype or Facetime their family and friends.

Ms Adamson attended the event with an official from North Lanarkshire Council whose housing team nominate residents into the sheltered facility.

Pupils from Our Lady’s High in Motherwell were also on hand to help the residents use the IT equipment.

Ms Adamson said: “It was a pleasure to get along and help launch the digital participation programme at Mission Place which is a fantastic complex with a wonderful team.

“As a former IT professional, I am passionate about opening up digital participation to people from all age groups and backgrounds.

“Digital connectivity is such a vital part of every day life with more services being delivered online. This will be a vital resource for residents as well as providing them with a way to access news, keep in touch with family and play music.”

“It’s wonderful to see pupils from Our Lady’s High and volunteers from Neighbourhood Networks have agreed to help train the residents in IT. This a real indicator of the community spirit we have here in Motherwell and Wishaw.”