Join the IT Crowd at GCP
We have IT classes twice a week at The Grassmarket Community Project.
Led by our Volunteer Coordinator, Kevin and Activity Assistant, Usman, these groups are VERY popular!
Our Members come along to improve their skills. Many don’t want to get left behind in the fast-moving digital world of websites, Wifi, apps, social media and emails etc.
Things do change quickly, and, as Steph says, ‘Some bairns know better than us adults.’
Our volunteer Caroline spent some time with our very own IT Crowd, discovering the many ways in which our Members use the group to engage and connect with the world.
Why our Members enjoy the IT Group
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.
Online confidence also means we’re better at filling in official forms and we all know it improves employability. It is clear members join GCP’s IT crowd with a range of previous experiences and for very varied reasons:
- Susan enjoys IT as it ‘let’s me use my brain and makes me think.’
- Mike is keen to learn more about Microsoft Word. With online training, he has started working towards his intermediate level certificate. He also enjoys the company at IT classes.
- Frank is familiar with software but needs help mastering layout so he can show off his artwork more professionally alongside his writing.
- Steph, Hassan and Peter are following an online programme to improve their typing skills.
- Victor is editing his holiday photos and the pictures of handywork he produced in the Tartan Workshop.
As always, coffee break involves a good chat between Members, against the backdrop of the newly painted IT suite. Thanks again to HSBC for their brilliant corporate volunteering – it’s looking great!
During the break Kevin can talk to Members about safety online, how to look out for scams and the importance of being careful sharing personal details. Fully refreshed after a couple of well-earned biscuits, it is then back to concentrating at the computer terminals.
Join us at The Grassmarket Community Project
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!
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.
