Members Programme
The IT Group
Join the IT Crowd at GCP
If you are one of the 10 million people in the UK who don’t use the internet at all, this class is a safe place to start.
If you have some online experience, this is a good place to borrow a computer with wifi access, build on knowledge, develop new skills and make friends, all at the same time!
‘As more people hear about the IT class, more come along’. (Carina, Member)
IT is one of our most popular classes, with two sessions running on a Monday, led by Usman and two sessions led by Kevin on a Thursday.
Usman says,
‘We are always adding a greater variety of courses and are seeing larger numbers of members attending which is nice. Some just want to use the equipment and others are learning more about IT, improving skills typing or working on things that interest them.’
Classes are usually supported by volunteers. On a Monday it is second year, University of Edinburgh Psychology student, Claudia. She is really enjoying her placement,
‘GCP is very good, everyone is warm and kind and it’s nice to help the members with their IT skills.’
In just one class, it becomes clear that members join GCP’s IT crowd for a wide range of reasons.
Mel brings her own laptop along and says,
‘I enjoy learning new things, doing courses online and getting certificates.’
Similarly, Natalie is following a ‘Basic Care for Pets’ course online. Carina says,
‘I enjoy doing emails and creating lists and having access to the wifi. It’s also a chance to do things and keep my brain alert but it doesn’t feel like work.’
Lee Ann is editing and typing up her handwritten novel to ensure she has a backup copy.
Hassan and Peter enjoy improving their general typing skills. Ibraham has been coming for a month, and he is,
‘enjoying learning new IT skills.’
Meanwhile, Elisa is simply checking her Facebook account and Alexander says he,
‘enjoys using the equipment but particularly enjoys the free lunch and biscuits!’
As always, coffee break involves a good chat amongst group members. It is now that Kevin and Usman can alert members to online safety, including how to look out for scams and the importance of being careful sharing personal details online.
Fully refreshed after a couple of well-earned biscuits (making a happy Alexander), it is back to concentrating at the computer terminals.
Everyone who attends says the same thing, they come along to improve their skills. They don’t want to get left behind in the fast-moving and sometimes confusing online world.
Recent research by the Office of National Statistics shows that building online skills enables individuals to communicate up to 14% more than they did before with friends and family and, greater online confidence means better filling in of official documents and greater employability.
Become a Member
There are lots of opportunities for individuals to participate and join in! Everyone is welcome.
Volunteer with us
We would not be able to deliver the amazing support and services we provide to vulnerable people and social enterprise customers without our fantastic volunteers.
Thank you to our funders and corporate partners
Thank you to Digital Lifelines Scotland and SCVO for their continued support of our Members IT Group.
Thank you to HSBC for donating 3 laptops and their regular Corporate Volunteering.
A BIG THANK YOU
The Grassmarket Community Project’s Members Programme relies on the generosity of our customers, funders and donors. Our key funders for this area of our work are Nationwide Community Grants, The Robertson Trust and EVOC/Scottish Government Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund. We thank them for their essential continued support.
