A group of tech savvy Cornwall Housing tenants have formed a volunteer Digital Champions team to help other tenants overcome digital phobias and enable them to take advantage of the opportunities the internet offers.

With many local authority and Government services and benefits going online it has become increasingly important people are able to use the internet.

John Harris, Digital Champions team leader and a Cornwall Housing tenant, said: “Our Digital Champions are themselves tenants, they are all over 50 and volunteers. The aim of the Digital Champions team is to go out into the community and offer our knowledge and experience. We will coach, often on a one to one basis, basic computer and internet skills. This will enable our tenants, many of whom are over the age of 60, an opportunity to gain the digital skills so vital to life in the 21st century.”

Di Brittain is a retired Cornwall Housing tenant from Playing Place, who has been on a computer skills journey that’s taken her from a total fear of computers to being an enthusiastic member of Cornwall Housing’s volunteer Digital Champions.

She said: “I would never touch a computer. People would try to persuade me to have a go, but I didn’t want to know. Eventually, I gave in and took Cornwall Housing’s Digital Champions course and persevered. Now I can do all the basics, how to fill in forms, do research on the internet and reply to emails. Another big plus is my sister lives in Australia and emails me photos and I can now email her back, which has brought us much closer together. It has really helped to build my confidence.

“I am particularly looking forward to helping other older tenants in supported housing. We’ll show them the basics, how to turn the computer on, send emails, to do their shopping online and how to find other useful websites.”

Following a successful pilot scheme in Falmouth, Liskeard and Torpoint, Julia Walsh, Cornwall Housing’s consultation officer, said: "Our tenants told us that it’s less intimidating to get advice and support from another tenant than an official. So it’s fabulous we have such a public spirited group of tenants prepared to give up their time to help their communities in this way. They are keen and raring to go to meet other tenants who need support in this area. They will help our tenants of all ages gain confidence by supporting them and taking away the fear of the unknown. Please get in touch.

"The Digital Champions are split into two teams of volunteers, covering east and west Cornwall. They have their own IT equipment, enabling them to help people who currently have no access to the internet at all. The Digital Champions have also received training from Cornwall Council’s IT team to be able to train others to use computers and the internet.”

The Digital Champions plan to organise monthly events for tenants living in Cornwall Housing’s 10,000 properties across Cornwall. They will also join Cornwall Housing’s tenant engagement officers at organised events.

Cornwall Housing tenants who are interested in getting support with internet skills should contact Julia Walsh on 0300 123 4161.