Pictured above: Whitefriars resident Gillian Hogg had never switched on a computer before a free computer training session run by Whitefriars and now she is getting online on her new laptop

Thirty Coventry residents have attended a free computer training course to help them get online and learn new skills, thanks to Whitefriars Housing.

A two-week course was run at the housing association's Little Park Street office for residents who wanted to learn how to use the internet, email and other computer skills.

Whitefriars Housing has teamed up with Coventry's UK Online Centre training specialists Numidia Education & Training, based in Park Road, to offer residents online training.

According to recent government research, 10.2million adults in the UK, or 21 per cent of the population, have never accessed the internet. Currently it is estimated 70 per cent of all social housing tenants do not use the internet. 

One resident who benefitted from the course run at Whitefriars is Gillian Hogg, from Manor Farm, who had not used a computer before she attended the free course.

"Before I did the course I didn't know how to switch a computer on and I didn't have any knowledge of the internet or computers. The best thing about doing the course was that being the age I am, I didn't think I would be able to pick up the skills but I was delighted that I came away with new skills," said Gillian.

Now, the 67-year-old has bought a laptop and is using the internet to research things she wants to learn about and to stay in touch with friends and family via email.

She added: "The time on the course flew by and it was really nice to meet other residents going through the same experience.  

"It is great that Whitefriars is offering this opportunity for residents to learn new skills. A lot of people don't realise how much Whitefriars offers for its residents and they should so they can make the most if it."

Whitefriars' customer involvement officer Joanna Selby said: "We have teamed up with Numidia to offer training for residents because we want to help them gain new skills which will open up new opportunities for them.

"The residents that attended this course were really dedicated and it was clear that they all enjoyed it."

These courses are now available to the public at Numidia's Coventry training centre in Park Road. 

Centre manager, Lorraine Innes, said: "The sessions were a great success.  We look forward to supporting more digitally excluded residents in the future."  

WM Housing, of which Whitefriars is a part of, is running a campaign to work with its residents to increase training, skills and work aspirations in a bid to increase job opportunities and employability for customers. 

To find out how you can get the skills you want to improve your prospects and get qualifications in maths, English and IT, call Numidia Education & Training Ltd on 024 76 632942.