Ballymoney youth helping '˜Silver Surfers' at weekly computer class

Young people in the Ballymoney area have been helping their older neighbours become '˜silver surfers' by participating in a weekly computer class.
By The Newsroom
Published 6th Oct 2016, 12:07 BST
Enjoying the weekly computer class are local residents, Emma Quigg (left) and Martin Neill (right) with Housing Executive Housing Officer Noeleen Connolly (centre).Enjoying the weekly computer class are local residents, Emma Quigg (left) and Martin Neill (right) with Housing Executive Housing Officer Noeleen Connolly (centre).
Enjoying the weekly computer class are local residents, Emma Quigg (left) and Martin Neill (right) with Housing Executive Housing Officer Noeleen Connolly (centre).

Up to 12 people per week attend the class which is helping to upskill local residents and build inter-generational relationships.

Castle Community Association is behind the initiative which is being supported by the Housing Executive.

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Dessie Hanna from the group said: “Thanks to the Housing Executive’s support we have set up a weekly computer class which brings older and young people together. So far, the class has been a big success and is full every week.

(L- R back row) Enjoying the weekly computer class are: Joanne McKeever, Christopher Neill , Carla Neill, Dessie Hanna, Housing Executive Housing Officer Noeleen Connolly, Martin Neill and Gareth Hanna. (L - R front Row) Doreen Hazon, Jennifer Shaw, Jim Graham, Margaret McCullagh, Emma Quigg and Maureen McGhee.(L- R back row) Enjoying the weekly computer class are: Joanne McKeever, Christopher Neill , Carla Neill, Dessie Hanna, Housing Executive Housing Officer Noeleen Connolly, Martin Neill and Gareth Hanna. (L - R front Row) Doreen Hazon, Jennifer Shaw, Jim Graham, Margaret McCullagh, Emma Quigg and Maureen McGhee.
(L- R back row) Enjoying the weekly computer class are: Joanne McKeever, Christopher Neill , Carla Neill, Dessie Hanna, Housing Executive Housing Officer Noeleen Connolly, Martin Neill and Gareth Hanna. (L - R front Row) Doreen Hazon, Jennifer Shaw, Jim Graham, Margaret McCullagh, Emma Quigg and Maureen McGhee.

“We have had various computer classes in the past which have benefitted the older members of the community but most do not feel confident in their abilities and they asked for additional help with tasks such as sending emails and using the internet.

“All the young people who attend the youth club are adept at using computers and ideally suited to help out in the classes.”

Housing Executive Housing Manager for the area, Pamela Mullan, said: “We were delighted to fund the purchase of four laptops which helped to get this initiative off the ground.

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“Nowadays it’s important for everyone to have computer skills and bringing generations together to share knowledge is a good way to strengthen community relations.”

(L- R back row) Enjoying the weekly computer class are: Joanne McKeever, Christopher Neill , Carla Neill, Dessie Hanna, Housing Executive Housing Officer Noeleen Connolly, Martin Neill and Gareth Hanna. (L - R front Row) Doreen Hazon, Jennifer Shaw, Jim Graham, Margaret McCullagh, Emma Quigg and Maureen McGhee.(L- R back row) Enjoying the weekly computer class are: Joanne McKeever, Christopher Neill , Carla Neill, Dessie Hanna, Housing Executive Housing Officer Noeleen Connolly, Martin Neill and Gareth Hanna. (L - R front Row) Doreen Hazon, Jennifer Shaw, Jim Graham, Margaret McCullagh, Emma Quigg and Maureen McGhee.
(L- R back row) Enjoying the weekly computer class are: Joanne McKeever, Christopher Neill , Carla Neill, Dessie Hanna, Housing Executive Housing Officer Noeleen Connolly, Martin Neill and Gareth Hanna. (L - R front Row) Doreen Hazon, Jennifer Shaw, Jim Graham, Margaret McCullagh, Emma Quigg and Maureen McGhee.

Meanwhile the Causeway branch of the Alzheimer’s Society is pleased to announce their carer information programme will be held in Ballymoney Town hall, commencing on Thursday 13th October and running for four consecutive Thursdays. Below is an outline of the programme: Thursday 13th October: What is dementia?, Thursday 20th October: Behavioural Science, Thursday 27th October: Home & Community Safety, Thursday 3rd November: Financial & Legal

The course has been designed with the practical needs of the carer in mind. Each session will run in an informal, relaxed atmosphere and there will be an opportunity to ask questions and talk with other carers over a cup of tea.

For information about the carer information programme or caring for someone with dementia contact Helen Taylor, Dementia Support Worker on 028 7035 8887.