Age Concern throughout Herefordshire and Worcestershire

Computers and other forms of digital technology - eg mobile phones - pervade every aspect of modern society. However the opportunities that these technologies offer are not enjoyed by the whole of the UK population - for example it is estimated that 17 million people in the UK still do not use computers and the Internet. Despite this it is increasingly assumed that, for example, if something is published on the Internet it is avalable to and accessable by everyone. Clearly this is currently not the case with a lot of older people in particular, and there is an increasing correlation, therefore, between what is called 'digital exclusion' and social exclusion. You can only be a part of society or make decisions about the things that might affect you if you have access to the same information and opportunities as everyone else, if you don't then you can very quickly become excluded.

 At Age UK Bromsgrove we offer a number of different levels of support to local older people in 'getting to grips' with digital technology. 

 For complete beginners we offer one to one support. This consists of one hour sessions once a week here at our offices at 51 Windsor Street, during which one of our volunteers will help you move on from whatever level of knowledge you already have - from just simply switching on the computer if necessary - using either one of our computers or your own if you have already invested in a 'laptop' [that is a portable computer that you can use anywhere]. The aim is to get you to the point where you are confident enough to join in a class, for example, or to help you deal with a particular problem that you are having with the computer itself, or with a particular task that you are trying to do on it. The charge is £2.50 per session.  If you know of anybody who might benefit from this sort of support please encourage them to contact us.

For those with a little more confidence who want to develop some practical skills in using the computer we offer periodic 12 week Computer Courses on 'laptop' computers covering the whole range from absolute beginner to advanced user. Delivered by professional trainers, there is a charge for these courses - usually around £2.00 per session.

For those who have some basic skill but who want to continue to develop in a social atmosphere, learning from others and sharing the interests you are following, we offer our Computer Club - on Tuesday afternoons from 1:30pm to 3:30pm; open to any one interested in using computer technology to email, manipulate photographs, word process and much more. Supported by volunteer tutors, members share and learn over a ‘cuppa’. Most members bring their own ‘laptop’ but we have a few machines to loan for the sessions and WiFi broad band connectivity is provided. There is a charge of £2.00 per session plus the cost of any refreshments taken.

For information on any of these activities contact: John Sanders, Participation Manager on

Phone: 01527 871840

Fax: 01527 880044

Email: