A new monthly IT support clinic aimed at helping elderly and vulnerable people with technology issues is launching in Harrogate next month.
Not-for-profit care provider Harrogate Neighbours is introducing a free ‘Tech Tuesday’ drop-in session at Starling Independent Beer & Coffee House following the success of a pilot scheme in Starbeck. The initiative has already helped more than 100 people over the last 18 months through sessions held at Starbeck Library and the Harrogate Neighbours Community Hub. The project is being delivered through The Hub, a subsidiary of Harrogate Neighbours, which offers signposting and support for older and vulnerable people living in the community. Development & Communications Manager Jamie Nicholson-Ruther said the organisation wanted to expand awareness of Harrogate Neighbours while also helping people who may struggle with modern technology. He said: “The concept is that we can expand awareness of Harrogate Neighbours by partnering with a local business and offer free tech support and advice. “Not everyone has access to technical support, and we can help with a range of issues, including pop-ups, volume on your phones, and machines not working as expected, as well as filling out online forms, booking appointments, and answering questions. “We won't be doing repairs, and the advice is very much well-meaning but not professionally trained. We want to reach people who may not be confident about using their devices for certain things or have questions that no one has been able to answer for them. “We can install apps, adjust settings, help increase font size, set up profiles, answer questions and so much more.” The sessions will run on the first Tuesday of every month between 2pm and 4pm at Starling Independent Beer & Coffee House on Oxford Street in Harrogate. No appointment is required, with support offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Simon Midgley from Starling said: “This is a great initiative helping more vulnerable members of the community. “So much in life these days is tech based, and it can be very confusing and frustrating for more elderly people. “Offering a support network is a commendable project and one we are more than happy to support. The more we can bring the community together and support each other the better, and Starling are happy to be part of it.” People who have already used the service have praised the support provided. Julie, 82, said: “Without Jamie, I don't know where I'd be. He has helped me with my phone and my laptop problems and is very patient as I explain the issue.” Gary, 89, added: “The free tech support has been wonderful, really very good. Jeff helped with online forms and making sure I was visiting legitimate websites.” Starling Independent Beer & Coffee House is wheelchair accessible and located at 47 Oxford Street, Harrogate, HG1 1PW. The first Harrogate session will take place on Tuesday 2 June between 2pm and 4pm.
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