I took early retirement five years ago at the age of fifty, and life became
very difficult as I was looking after my ailing mother.
I became her carer and as I am on my own, I couldn't get out of the house very
often. You lose confidence when you don't see
people very much, don't talk to anyone and don't get out.
The thing that really changed my life at this time was the computer. When I took the plunge and bought one, it gave me
a new interest and broadened my horizons once again.
 Because
getting out was still difficult for me, I decided to
take an introductory computer course with an organisation called the Online College. They have an introductory course on how to get
online and use the internet. They gave me
lessons through the internet and I got very
good feedback from them. You don't do the
exercises when you are on line. It was all so
clear and foolproof, an ideal way to learn when you are housebound for whatever reason.
I was able to email younger
members of the family, and feel I was in touch once again.
Shopping, which had become a real problem, was enjoyable on the internet.
I also got involved in
producing our local parish magazine - that's why I am
learning desk-top publishing, this time at a local college. I enjoyed feeling that I could
contribute something to my church and community even though I couldn’t get out. I work part-time
with Age Concern, coordinating their Handypersons Scheme,  organising volunteers to do odd jobs for elderly people free
of charge. My computing skills are useful
there, too. I would like to learn more about data-bases next so that I can get rid of the
mounds of paper!
I haven't dared to try to go into a chat room, but imagine that they would be
ideal for carers or anyone else who feels isolated.
Who would have thought that using a computer at home would open up so many
new interests and hobbies for me? It was the
best investment I could have made.'
Roger
Atkinson, education director of the Online College, designed this new facility especially
for those who are unable to access training because of illness, incapacity, social or
economic reasons, location or family ties, those who work antisocial hours, or those who
just can't get to and from training facilities.
It is a registered OCR (Oxford, Cambridge and RSA) centre.
The college
tries to cater for any special requirements or courses that may be needed by individuals
or groups. It has many enquiries from the over 50 age group, and offers an introductory
internet communications course for £10, recommended to everyone who wants to familiarise
themselves with online learning.
See the website at www.onlinecollege.co.uk
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