6:49pm Thursday 9th July 2009
By Thom Airs
A new information and IT centre boosted by a grant from the Gannett Foundation has been unveiled at a branch of Age Concern Oxfordshire.
The centre in White Lion Walk, Banbury, is intended to let people learn new computer skills at their own pace.
Also now ready to be used are two private consultation rooms, paid for with a grant from the foundation.
The Gannett Foundation is the charitable arm of Gannett, the parent company of Newsquest Oxfordshire, which publishes the Oxford Mail.
It gave £3,800 to the project during its latest round of funding for charities in the county.
The new centre was opened by town mayor Tina Wren and Paul Cann, the new chief executive of Age Concern.
Branch manager Bee Myson said the new consultation rooms meant visitors could talk in confidence with staff.
She added: “It is very, very useful at providing a quiet, private space at long last without fear of being overheard.
“That has been absolutely fantastic.
“We’ve had a situation where it would be completely inappropriate to look after people in the open-plan office space that was there before, so it has been very timely.”
She added: “The new IT and information centre offers people the opportunity to work on computers at their own speed, with or without tuition from staff or volunteers.
“They can come and have a bespoke lesson then repeat it if necessary, all at their own pace.
“Some of them just want to learn how to attach pictures to emails to send to their grandchildren and others want to type out their memoirs.
“We’re just so grateful for the huge range of people using it. It’s absolutely delightful as it puts people in touch with their families.
“It’s also a very pleasant place to come in and have a cup of tea or coffee and find out what other services Age Concern Oxfordshire can provide.”
tairs@oxfordmail.co.uk For more details visit ageconcern oxon.org.uk or call the head office on 01235 849400.
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