Teifi Valley technology boost
Older Carmarthenshire residents are being introduced to the digital revolution, thanks to a cash windfall.
A £20,580 project is underway to bring the latest technology to rural communities in the Teifi Valley.
Wireless computers are being connected at village hubs to help people who have never used the internet, web-cam or e-mail.
The aim is to ensure residents, particularly older people can access up-to-date communication tools and break down the barriers to modern technology.
Menter Gorllewin Sir Gar has just received grant funding through the County Council’s ‘Access to services’ grant which is part funded from the Rural Development Plan for Wales.
The bid was supported by Carmarthenshire County Council’s Local Action Group, and is part of a multi-million pound package of schemes in the area to have received cash aid.
Under the scheme computers have been installed at Llanllwni Community Church Hall and Newcastle Emlyn Trinity Church Hall, providing an I.T. base for residents in the two communities.
The council’s Community Regeneration Development Officer Alice James said: “The Wi-Net Connecting Communities pilot project will provide an innovative cross border service for rural communities, through the provision of the latest technology.
“There is a need for a service in the rural communities, especially for the elderly to bridge the educational gap that modern technology has created.
“Whilst an increasing number of people are becoming accustomed to the new electronic world of communication, there are a significant number that have limited access to modern technology, particularly amongst the older members of the population, and those living in traditional Welsh rural communities.”
An Age Concern study reveals there is a large divide between younger and older people in terms of access to the Internet, with only 15 per cent of people over 65 using it on a regular basis.
A project co-ordinator will work on the new service, and will liaise closely with community groups like Merched Y Wawr and luncheon clubs.
Residents will be introduced to computer programmes like Skype and educated in the use of webcams and e-mail.
The wireless connections will also enable them to use their own equipment at the centres.
Regeneration Executive Board Member cllr Clive Scourfield said: “This is a very exciting project which will enable people to communicate and access information, goods and services in a completely new way.
“I am delighted that the funding bid has been successful and there will be many benefits to the people living in these rural communities.”
This project is funded through the Rural Development Plan for Wales 2007-2013 which is funded by the Welsh Assembly Government and the European Union.
Going on-line: Residents celebrate the grant for the Wi-Net project. From left are Muriel Davies, Holy Trinity Church Community Hall committee member, Rhiannon Lewis of Merched Y Wawr , Peter Esau, Holy Trinity Church Community Hall committee member , Community Regeneration Officer Alice James, Mo Spowart Davies, Holy Trinity Church Community Hall treasurer, Project Co-ordinator Huw Lloyd and Diane Davies Principal Officer for Menter Gorllewin Sir Gar.
Picture: Jeff Connell
A £20,580 project is underway to bring the latest technology to rural communities in the Teifi Valley.
Wireless computers are being connected at village hubs to help people who have never used the internet, web-cam or e-mail.
The aim is to ensure residents, particularly older people can access up-to-date communication tools and break down the barriers to modern technology.
Menter Gorllewin Sir Gar has just received grant funding through the County Council’s ‘Access to services’ grant which is part funded from the Rural Development Plan for Wales.
The bid was supported by Carmarthenshire County Council’s Local Action Group, and is part of a multi-million pound package of schemes in the area to have received cash aid.
Under the scheme computers have been installed at Llanllwni Community Church Hall and Newcastle Emlyn Trinity Church Hall, providing an I.T. base for residents in the two communities.
The council’s Community Regeneration Development Officer Alice James said: “The Wi-Net Connecting Communities pilot project will provide an innovative cross border service for rural communities, through the provision of the latest technology.
“There is a need for a service in the rural communities, especially for the elderly to bridge the educational gap that modern technology has created.
“Whilst an increasing number of people are becoming accustomed to the new electronic world of communication, there are a significant number that have limited access to modern technology, particularly amongst the older members of the population, and those living in traditional Welsh rural communities.”
An Age Concern study reveals there is a large divide between younger and older people in terms of access to the Internet, with only 15 per cent of people over 65 using it on a regular basis.
A project co-ordinator will work on the new service, and will liaise closely with community groups like Merched Y Wawr and luncheon clubs.
Residents will be introduced to computer programmes like Skype and educated in the use of webcams and e-mail.
The wireless connections will also enable them to use their own equipment at the centres.
Regeneration Executive Board Member cllr Clive Scourfield said: “This is a very exciting project which will enable people to communicate and access information, goods and services in a completely new way.
“I am delighted that the funding bid has been successful and there will be many benefits to the people living in these rural communities.”
This project is funded through the Rural Development Plan for Wales 2007-2013 which is funded by the Welsh Assembly Government and the European Union.
Going on-line: Residents celebrate the grant for the Wi-Net project. From left are Muriel Davies, Holy Trinity Church Community Hall committee member, Rhiannon Lewis of Merched Y Wawr , Peter Esau, Holy Trinity Church Community Hall committee member , Community Regeneration Officer Alice James, Mo Spowart Davies, Holy Trinity Church Community Hall treasurer, Project Co-ordinator Huw Lloyd and Diane Davies Principal Officer for Menter Gorllewin Sir Gar.
Picture: Jeff Connell
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