VOLUNTEERS from Age UK Wyvern are offering the Ross-on-Wye community a regular drop-in session for people wanting to use the internet on their phone, tablet or laptop.

Caroline Savage runs the service at the town’s library and is encouraging any older person in the greater Ross area to give it a go.

“The sessions, which run from 10am to noon every week, and are free, provide one to one support for anyone wanting advice about using the internet,” said Caroline.

“We know that many people are put off using IT because they are frightened by stories they hear about identity theft and scams or are simply embarrassed because they don’t know what to do.

“We’d really like to reassure people that we are happy to help with any problem, no matter how small. No question is seen as silly.”

Age UK Wyvern provides a range of volunteer staff at its digital café at the library each week.

One of the volunteers is Clare Hunter who came to the role because she is currently a stay-at-home mum, and wanted to use her background in IT and have a chance to meet people.

She said: “People are amazed by what they can find out online with a bit of help. We’ve had all sorts of queries – swapping from one phone to another, booking train tickets, organising emails, sorting photos into albums.

“A lot of people get emails that they are worried about and very sensibly don’t open them but bring them to us for advice.

“We’ve stopped a lot of people from falling victim to online scams. But on the other hand, we’ve helped people who were too scared to use the internet because they worried about security.”

David Sheppard and Fenny Smith who also volunteer at the café described how people are frequently going round and round in circles trying to complete online forms and said: “So much of life is online these days but this can make it really hard for people who aren’t used to it.

“A lot of older people haven’t been taught how to use the internet and didn’t have to deal with it when they were working, but now they’re expected to use it as part of every-day life.

“We talk them through the process and help them develop new skills to make things easier for them. A while ago I helped a lady set up online shops. She didn’t have a car and was struggling to carry heavy grocery bags on the bus. Now she can order groceries and get them delivered to her door.”

Last Year’s mayor of Ross-on-Wye, Cllr Linden Delves chose Age UK Wyvern as his chosen charity during his time in office and a giant cheque for £3,150.04 was donated to the charity and the funds will be used to support their initiatives in Ross.

New volunteers, as well as new clients, are always welcome. To find out more about the service please call Age UK Wyvern on 0333 038 3700 or visit ageuk.org.uk/wyvern.