Older people in the North West least likely to own a computer

OLDER people in the North West at least likely to own a computer compared with older people in the rest of the country. Nearly 60% identified that as the reason they were not logging on compared to only 50% of the national average. The findings were revealed in a survey by Age Concern, Microsoft and Cable & Wireless last week.

The survey is released as Age Concern launches its second annual Silver Surfers Festival to help even more older people get online. The festival runs over 4 October to the 29 October. The aim of it is to give people who may not have had the opportunity, the chance to see what the internet has to offer them. 

This year over 100 Age Concerns will be hosting free taster sessions during the festival enabling over 7,000 older people to get online. Last year, over 70 Age Concerns helped 5,000 people log-on for the first time. 

Gordon Lishman, Director General of Age Concern England, said:- "This research shows that older people are relishing being on the net and it is fantastic that even more older people will be able to discover the benefits of the net for free during the Silver Surfers Festival. 

Now, there really are no excuses left for everyone to get along to a free internet session and discover what the net has to offer them." 

The message is clear from fellow Silver Surfers:- "it is time to log on and enjoy!" 

However, it is not all good news for the nation's older internet users.

Despite being one of the groups who could benefit most from using it, older people are least likely to have tried the internet. Only 20% of those aged over 65 have ever tried it compared to 62% of the GB population as a whole. Age Concern's Silver Surfer Festival will enable even more older people to try the internet for the first time.

People across the UK are being invited to take part and can call 0800 096 7777 or log on to www.ageconcern.org.uk/silversurfer to find out about their local, free internet taster session. 

TOP HEART CHARITY OPENS SHOP IN HUYTON

DEPUTY Mayor of Knowsley, Councillor Jim Keight yesterday officially opened the new British Heart Foundation Shop at Derby Road, Huyton.

The shop will offer good quality second hand clothes, books and bric-a-brac. All the profits will go towards helping the BHF fight heart disease - the UK's single biggest killer.

Simon Gibson, British Heart Foundation Area Manager for the Huyton shop, says:- "We were delighted to welcome the Deputy Mayor to the opening of the new British Heart Foundation Shop. We are now appealing to the local community to support the shop and help us continue the fight against heart disease." 

In addition to good quality donations, the store needs more volunteers. As well as being something practical people can do to help fight heart disease, volunteering is fun and offers a great opportunity to learn new skills. 

British Heart Foundation volunteers come from all walks of life and range in age from 16 to 90 years. No experience is necessary, a desire to help is all that is required.