Ritchie joins tenants in celebrating Silver Surfers Day

Social Development Minister, Margaret Ritchie MLA, today joined tenants in North Belfast to help celebrate Silver Surfers Day 2009.

The event, at Clanmil Housing Association’s sheltered housing scheme at Harmony Court, Ligoniel, is part of a nationwide initiative to introduce the over 50’s to the joys of the Internet.

Current statistics show that over 90% of our most senior citizens (and over 60% of those aged between 50 and 64) have never used the Internet nor have the skills to do so. Considering how the Internet is becoming a fundamental tool in everyday use, there is a need to ensure that the older person is not disadvantaged and excluded.

Speaking at the event, Minister Ritchie said: “I am most impressed by what Clanmil residents, both here and in other sheltered schemes, have undertaken in embracing this new technology. Sheltered housing for older people is all about retaining independence and encouraging inclusion, so access to the Internet and e-mail services will enhance the wellbeing of all who take up the challenge.

“Clanmil Housing Association is to be congratulated for having had the foresight to introduce this exciting new addition to the excellent facilities already in place. I would encourage all to get involved.”

The Minister also referred to the new Government website NI Direct. The website is different from other Government sites in that information from all departments and agencies is contained in one place and is written in simple language. It also contains a range of transactions which allows citizens to do business with Government at a time that suits them.

Colette Moore, Director of Housing at Clanmil said: “Social support and interaction is a big part of the service we provide at our sheltered schemes. We encourage our tenants to lead active lives and many of them are learning computer skills for the first time, opening up a whole new world. This will allow more of our tenants to use their new found skills for activities like shopping and keeping in touch with far away family and friends.”

Mr John Stone, a tenant at Harmony Court, is keen to get his hands on the new equipment. He said: “We were all really excited to hear that we were getting our own computer for everyone to use. Now it will be easier to keep in touch with my daughter and grandchildren in England by e-mail so I’ll be able to stay up-to-date with all the family news. We’ll all be experts soon!”

Note to Editors:

1. Clanmil Housing Association is one of Northern Ireland’s leading housing associations and currently owns over 2,000 homes including family homes, homes for single people, sheltered housing schemes for the elderly, housing with care for the frail elderly and supported housing for older people with dementia.
2. Silver Surfers Day is a national day set aside to focus on helping the over 50’s to have a taste of what the Internet offers and to help them gain the essential IT skills to get started.
3. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9468 or Joe Livingston on 07920 187938. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.