DI IOTM: Digital Access - Ken

Digital Essex’s Abi interviews Ken, a resident who attends Digital Access’ sessions. He shares his experience with learning new digital skills and why he wants to learn more.

The North East Essex Digital Access Support Team provides a free service designed to help residents gain basic skills and confidence with recent technology.

The team hosts both virtual and community-based events, including drop-in sessions and one-on-one support, and is also available at local surgeries.

This initiative is by the North East Essex Integrated Care Board, Tendring District Council, and Colchester City Council.

What brought you to attend these sessions?

I'm always trying to learn something new. My main problem is that I can't stay interested in using the computer long enough to keep the skills. I'll turn it on, do what I need to do, and then shut it down. Sometimes I won't touch it for days.

When they teach me something, I don't always remember it. I'm fine when someone is around to prompt me; it gives me confidence. But on my own, if I make a mistake, I get frustrated, shut the computer down, and forget about it for another week. The problem persists because I don't have someone to guide me.

How long have you been attending these sessions?

Crikey, probably six years! It started when I bought a computer without knowing how to use it. That day, I happened to go the library to get a book and saw a notice on the wall, “Anybody interested in learning computers - ring this number.”

I was looking at it when a guy asked if I was interested. He said, "I put that notice up. Bring your computer next Thursday, and I'll help you start learning." He was the team leader of the Digital Access group, and the only member of the team at the time. He later told me about a small group that met every Thursday afternoon. I joined that group and met other people there who wanted to learn too.

Over time, Rachaelle joined and became the team leader. We even did Zoom sessions during lockdown. If there was a problem, a team member could come over to help one-on-one. Those one-on-one sessions were always the best for me.

I’m still not great with computers, but I have learned. For example, I would never have tried mobile banking without help because before I lacked the confidence to try, but now I can do it by myself.

Sometimes I just need a bit of prompting. There are so many little things I feel unable to do on my own. It's all about confidence.

My five-year-old great-grandson can play games on my daughter's laptop. He knows all the buttons to press. At five years old! I think, "How does he do it?"

Rachaelle is pictured here.

Since you've been attending these sessions, how have your digital skills improved?

I suppose, in a way, 100%, since I started with nothing. But I only understand about 30-40% of it.

I've done a couple of 12-week courses twice now. Each time, I feel if I pay more attention and practice at home, I'll get better. The answer is to find a reason to use the computer. But these days, phones and tablets are taking over from computers. You don't need a laptop for most things anymore.

If I bought a new phone, I might not need my laptop because I could do everything on the phone. Using a laptop at a table isn’t as convenient as using a tablet on my lap while watching TV. I use my tablet more than my laptop because it's simpler. If I had a nice phone, I wouldn't even need the tablet. My granddaughter does everything on her phone.

Are you interested in learning digital skills? Visit the Digital Access website, email them at Digital.AccessSupport@Colchester.gov.uk or call them on 07970 551153.