A NUMBER of Housing Executive tenants in Enniskillen have been provided with free broadband and a tablet computer in their homes under a new pilot scheme aimed at helping older people to bridge the ‘digital divide’.

Mobile broadband connections have been installed in seven properties in Enniskillen as part of the Digital 4 Change initiative, which is supported by the Housing Executive.

A further 33 properties in North and West Belfast and Newtownards have also taken part in the pilot scheme.

Supported by the Department of Finance’s Digital Inclusion Unit and the Department for Communities, the initiative has also meant new tablet computers have been provided to participants.

A total of £20,000 has been invested by the Housing Executive to help get the programme off the ground and specialist training sessions are being delivered by charitable organisation Supporting Communities.

Betty McNamara, who lives in Windmill Heights, is one of the local people to have participated in the initiative.

The retired mother-of-four, who has lived in Enniskillen for over 40 years, admitted that her experience of computers was limited to using word processors before starting the weekly training.

She said: “I enjoyed it and have learnt a great deal from it, but I wouldn’t say I’m a whizz kid!”

When asked if she spends a lot of time on Facebook, Betty laughed:

“Well, a wee bit. I wouldn’t say a lot!”

The Housing Executive tenant added that her new ‘Breezie’ tablet computer and broadband would help her to keep in touch with her youngest daughter, who lives in Chester.

Housing Executive chief executive, Clark Bailie, feels it is important to help their tenants:

“More and more, people are being encouraged to conduct business online and this is a great way of helping our tenants get to grips with internet technology and bridge the ‘digital divide’.

“Digital Inclusion is a key part of our Customer Contact Strategy and so we have a vested interest in supporting tenants in the hope of improved engagement.

“As well as this, there are other positive effects, like increasing daily life skills and helping older people stay connected to reduce social isolation by keeping in touch with friends and family,” he concluded.

Finance Minister, Máirtín Ó Muilleoir, whose department is supporting the project, said:

“The internet and digital skills are an important part of modern life and no one should be left behind, whatever their circumstances.

“Working in partnership with Supporting Communities and the Housing Executive to deliver this initiative is an excellent way of helping our citizens increase their digital capability and realise the many benefits of being online.”

Communities Minister, Paul Givan, added: “I very much welcome this initiative to assist NIHE tenants to get online and develop the skills they need to make the best use of internet.

“Being able to use the internet is becoming increasingly important in the modern world – whether it be to pay a bill, get important information or to stay connected with friends and family.

“This is an excellent project that will benefit many tenants and I commend all involved.”