A NEW housing development for older people in Blackpool is one of the first to get government money to help people enjoy the internet
Tulloch Court at Marton, developed by Great Places Housing Group, has gained £4,000 to pay for computer equipment that will be available to neighbours as well as residents.
The Extra Care scheme will be equipped with a webcams, laptops, printers, video cameras and software.
Volunteers will be recruited to help others get to grips with the technology and aims are for a social enterprise and cyber café to be developed, and for Blackpool College to be involved.
Ultimately, plans include a community website and link-ups between older residents and local schoolchildren.
Get Digital is a £2.8 million government-funded project to provide computer equipment and digital skills training to older people in England who are living in sheltered accommodation.
The aim is to help almost 8,000 older residents across England acquire digital literacy skills and understanding, improve their ability to use digital technologies including the Internet and enjoy the benefits this provides.
Tulloch Court is a newly-completed £5.68m development of 46 two-bedroom apartments, commissioned by Blackpool Council.
Daniel Mountford, fundraising co-ordinator at Great Places, said: “We’re delighted to have gained this funding. It’s just the start of the story – we’re planning great things to benefit all sorts of local people.”