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If you are aged 65 or over and there’s something about your phone, tablet or laptop that you just don’t understand, a new free service that arrived on the Coast last month could help.
Citizens Advice Hibiscus Coast (CAB) has teamed up with Digital Seniors to bring their drop-in, one-on-one digital help hub to Whangaparāoa Library.
The first session, on December 13, saw half a dozen older people get help with their devices from a Digital Senior coach.
Digital Seniors is a charity launched by former Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern in 2018, initially in the Wairarapa. A year ago, it began operating six hubs on the North Shore and now Whangaparāoa. It is hoped that sessions will be offered in Ōrewa next, once a suitable location is found.
The aim is to support those aged 65 and over so they can be comfortable using technology.
Funding comes through grants, and sponsors such as Chorus.
Community service lead, Madeline Ball, 25, says it’s important to realise that Digital Seniors coaches are not experts, but they are passionate about technology, helping people and problem solving.
With her background in visual effects and 3D animation, Madeline says she understands how daunting getting to grips with technology can be.
“I have to constantly upgrade and learn new software, so it does affect the younger generation too, in that sense. We have to keep up as things move so quickly, and learn all the time.”
She says a huge range of questions are brought to the coaches, including deleting photos, emailing and messaging.
“It all comes back to wanting to use the device for connection with others – so a lot of questions around that,” she says.
Fears around scams are also prevalent and Madeline says Digital Seniors may make regular presentations on that topic in future.
Tanya Gouws of CAB says if a query a client brings to Digital Seniors requires more advice or support than they can offer, CAB is on hand to assist.
In the New Year Tanya hopes to get Age Concern Rodney involved, but those details are still being discussed.
The next CAB and Digital Seniors drop-in session is on Wednesday, February 7 at Whangaparāoa Library, 10am-12 noon. After that, it will be held every two weeks on Wednesdays at the same time. Bookings are not necessary.
