Three students from The Ramsey Academy, Halstead are the proud winners of an essay writing competition about their experiences of taking part in the “Community Connect” scheme with residents of Symonds Court and Gladys Malpass older persons’ scheme in Halstead.

Around 20 pupils volunteered to teach some of Greenfields’ older residents how to get online; in exchange the residents shared stories about their own lives as teenagers, helped by their new ability to search the internet to instantly find images and videos to bring their stories to life. 

Other activities have included: designing Christmas cards online using their own photographs; watching You Tube videos to follow instructions for creating decorations, and learning how to take ‘selfies’.

Sholanda Barker, 15 Leanne Bedlow, 15 and Ashley Mills, 13 each won shopping vouchers which were presented to them by Phil Adams, Greenfields’ Chief Executive.

Sholanda said: “Overall it was an eye-opening experience of what we take for granted. I would love to carry on the course as I’m enjoying it very much and I’m developing as a person; learning more about the history of the world through their eyes.”

Leanne plans to use her volunteering experience to go towards her Duke of Edinburgh award, whilst Ashley is equally enthusiastic about the project: “Wow, where can I start? I love to help elderly people with anything I can, but to tell them about the internet was amazing …..I feel like I have helped people to experience what the internet is actually like.”

Val Thompstone, Greenfields’ Digital Inclusion Co-ordinator, is leading Greenfields’ Be Connected Campaign, which aims to reduce the number of residents who lack basic online skills. 

Val said: “We want to get the vast majority of our residents online so that they can open up their world in many ways whether it be getting discounts for services; keeping updated with news and events; discovering new communities or meeting people with shared interests. The role of myself and that of my volunteers is to increase the skills and confidence of those who aren’t online so that they can see how rewarding and enjoyable it can be.”

One resident who has been attending Greenfields’ Be Connected workshops, said: “Since attending the workshops, I have learnt how to email my friends and family; see where my lifelong pen-friends live by using Google Maps and, at our next session, I am going to learn how to Skype my son in Australia. I never thought I would be able to do any of these things – I am so proud and can’t thank Val and Greenfields’ Digi-Pals enough.” - Greenfields