Update from Tap into IT:

We at Tap into IT are well aware of the extra loneliness and isolation felt by older, disabled and housebound people during lockdown.    A registered Scottish Charity and Social Enterprise based in South Edinburgh, our mission is to help everyone (particularly older people) to get online, thus promoting social inclusion and benefiting as many people in the community as possible. In normal times we do much of this work in sheltered housing complexes such as Viewpoint in Gillespie Crescent, where our biggest computer club is located. Ian Murray has visited and expressed support for the work we do. At the club’s normal weekly sessions we provide expert technical help not just for those older people who already own a laptop, tablet or smartphone but are perhaps not sure how to use it,  but also encouragement and advice for others who may be thinking of acquiring one. Tea, coffee, biscuits and plenty of chat are an integral part of these club gatherings, because we firmly believe that the social aspect is really important. Tap into IT has helped our club users to be in touch by email, Skype or Zoom with family wherever they may live – a particularly important personal connection at this time.  Tap into IT clubs are of course not meeting just now but our wonderful volunteers are keeping in touch with as many of our club users as possible by means of regular phone chats or by Skype or Zoom. Sometimes they will suggest a quiz or a game, and tech support is also available. These calls are often an older person’s only contact with anyone for many days.

As a small, local charity we have to fundraise to be able to continue and develop our services. If anybody would be interested in finding out about this or any other aspect of what we do, please have a look at our website   https://tapintoit.org.uk/

Or contact us at 0131 228 5716 / 07505 555 011

Email: mike.ellis@tap-into-it.co.uk

Bridget M Stevens,

Chair, Tap into IT Board of Trustees