2 May 2006

A free programme to help older people in the Derbyshire area who do not know much about computers and the Internet has recently been launched by Derbyshire County Council.

The project, called OPEL (Older People's E-Learning), has been funded by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. Adult community education tutors in the region have provided training services, with support from the Better Government for Older People team.

Small computer suites have been set up in two sheltered housing complexes, Grindleford and Dene Fields Court in Matlock. Residents will build up their skills to be able to use online communication tools to contact friends and family and obtain information.

The OPEL project has also enabled the Better Government for Older People team to electronically network the county's 13 Derbyshire forums for people aged 50 and over.

Each forum has a designated electronic contact person with Internet access, who is the contact for each forum and regularly receives and passes on information between members.

Cabinet member for services for older people and vulnerable adults at Derbyshire County Council, councillor Dave Allen, said: "This is a very worthwhile scheme as not only will people in sheltered housing benefit but so will dozens of 50+ forum members.

"By using the web, the forums will be able to keep in touch with each other and be kept right up to date on issues affecting them."

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