“You’re never too old to learn, so go on, give it a go” – June Whitfield
At a glittering ceremony on Monday evening, the splendid June Whitield announced Age UK’s Internet Champions for 2012.
Taking over from Margaret Goodwin, 64, (who incidently has a full page spread in this week’s Best magazine, discussing how she taught Prince Charles how to Skype) and Dave Howe, 70, their task over the coming year will be to inspire and support others in later life who may be fearful or hesitant about taking their first steps online.
So, drumroll please. The winners are… internet guru Keith Paterson, 80 from Suffolk and Brenda O’Mulloy, 83 from Slough.
Brenda and Keith with June Whitfield
Keith said: ‘I am absolutely over the moon to be named the Joint Internet Champion for 2012! Being severely deaf means that I struggle to use the telephone so the computer is a lifeline for me. I hope I can encourage others to take the first step and get online.’
Brenda said: ‘The first thing I do when I get up each morning is turn off my alarm and turn on my computer. The Internet has completely changed my life since my husband passed away as I can chat to my children and see my grandchildren whenever I want via Skype. I am always trying to persuade my friends to get online and now I am an Internet Champion I can use that passion to help many more people.’
Daybreak
On Tuesday, Daybreak brought viewers’ clips from the ceremony, including interviews with Martha and June. David Mortimer, Head of Digital Inclusion at Age UK was also live on the sofa, discussing the benefits of being online for older people, and changes in technology.
The Internet has been a great benefit to many, The cost, for others, has been the creation of a social and online advantages exclusion zone.
The biggest problem, that I am aware of, is the cost of equipment and broadband connection. Add to this the daunting task of acquiring those items when so many have little understanding of the technicalities and face the risk of being preyed upon.
The involvement of social concern groups is vital in adressing these issues. The involvement of well known faces is, I am sure, a great help.
I am very glad to see that organisations such Age UK are taking this seriously.
Neverheless, the other part of this essential pursuit must be to ensure that those who are not online (and never will be) are not further disadvantaged. The maintenance of off-line services will remain vital to many. The present pursuits of Goverment and Commerce may result in the withdrawal of such services leaving the vulnerable beween a rock and a hard place.
So, let’s work both sides of street and ensure that no one slips between the cracks.
With regards to all the community conscious people out there.