After a successful application to the #CovConnects Device Bank, #CovConnects has been working in partnership with Bell Green Community Centre.
Bell Green Community Centre became a #CovConnects Partner in July 2023 through the #CovConnects Device Bank where they received digital devices in the form of Wi-Fi connectivity dongles and Chromebook. They were given the devices in order to support the people who attend the community centre and its various groups.
One of the longstanding groups that Bell Green Community Centre hosts are the Silver Surfers, a digital skills support group for older people. The Silver Surfers have a long history as a group, spanning 20 years where they originally started with just 4 people in a public library, today they are over 18 members and counting.
Receiving Chromebooks and Wi-Fi dongles has enabled the Silver Surfers to carry out their sessions uninterrupted, previously they reported their sessions would "grind to a halt", however now equipped with digital devices from the #CovConnects Device Bank, they can learn valuable digital skills at their leisure.
Mark Grimbley, Centre Manager at Bell Green Community Centre, told us:
"The community centre, with the help of groups like the Silver Surfers Computer group and volunteers, support the people of Coventry in order to break down the barriers that technology imposes on so many. Whether it is help connecting with loved ones or long-lost friends, or guidance on connecting with companies that only communicate through the internet, or supporting people in using IT equipment to enhance their everyday lives, we strive to provide a friendly learning environment that promotes a 'passing it forward' ethos.
"As technology evolves at such a rapid pace, it is groups like the Silver Surfers that are helping the over 50s embrace I.T and learn the skills to achieve, in the modern world. The support of #CovConnects makes a massive difference, with mobile internet devices helping all that need internet access have instant online connections, no more searching for that bar of signal, or spinning hamster wheels as we wait for items to load.
"The devices have helped so many people take control of their lives, as many felt they were being left behind in a world that is losing its face-to-face communications, along with being unable to have a telephone conversation with an actual human. The devices are enabling people to achieve new skills in order to reach their full potential in a digital world. Thank you for your support."
Find out more about the #CovConnects Device Bank on the Council's Website.
If you would like to find out more about the support and services that Bell Green Community Centre offer, you can visit the Bell Green Community Centre website.