Bentley Silver Surfers ride the internet wave thanks to BT Community Connections

Online opportunities are flooding into Bentley Village Hall in Suffolk, following the award of a laptop and 12-month’s free internet connection via BT’s Community Connections scheme.
 
Hints, tips and ‘try before you buy’ sessions are offered by the IT Users Group in the village hall. Connection to the internet and the provision of a laptop means a large percentage of the population, many of whom are retired, are now using the award to surf the web.
 
John Blackmore, chairman of the Village Hall Management Trustees, explained: “Our IT sessions offer help to anyone who wants advice on how to use technology and it also gives villagers the chance to see what kind of equipment they might like to buy. Many people just need the confidence to log-on so they can benefit from everything the internet has to offer.
 
“We lost our village shop a few years ago so many residents are already enjoying the convenience of online shopping. The internet and email is also a great way to keep in touch with families around the world. Many of our residents are thoroughly enjoying contacting their grandchildren in a way which is just part of everyday life for younger people.”
 
BT Community Connections targets community and charitable groups to allow them to get online and reap the huge benefits available through accessing the internet and information technology. BT Community Connections has already reached out across the UK and helped six million people who may never have plugged into the internet before.
 
And the good news for other groups is that BT Community Connections is not only open to new groups, but also to past winners through its Cluster Awards which allows up to five groups to apply together for a package of IT equipment.
 
For more information or to apply for an award by 7 January 2010, simply visit www.btcommunityconnections.com.

Latest news