A GROUP of tech savvy Cornwall Housing tenants — including a couple from Launceston — have formed a volunteer team to help other tenants overcome their ‘digital phobias’ and use the internet.

Cornwall Housing said with many local authority and Government services and benefits going online it has become ‘increasingly important’ that people are able to use the internet.

The ‘Digital Champions team’ has been formed, led by John Harris from Launceston, who is a Cornwall Housing tenant himself.

He said: “Our Digital Champions are themselves tenants, they are all over fifty 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.”

Julia Walsh, Cornwall Housing’s consultation officer said, following a successful pilot scheme in Liskeard, Torpoint and Falmouth: “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.

“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 receiving support with internet skills should contact Julia Walsh on 0300 1234161.