Julia, the PC GP, has a wealth of experience assisting complete beginners, seniors, and anyone who prefers a more relaxed approach to learning about computers.
A significant portion of this has resulted from her involvement with various community organizations over the past 13 years.
Clear Community Web – Since 2019, they have been assisting older individuals, vulnerable adults, and caregivers in South London with technology through workshops and drop-in sessions led by volunteers. I had the pleasure of being one of those volunteers for two of their eight-week Zoom courses in the spring of 2021, and most recently during a short course for local mums held in Brixton!
Spring Online (a scheme run by Digital Unite) In April 2013, I participated in this program that aimed to inspire volunteers like myself to host digital taster sessions. The goal was to help older individuals explore the internet and boost their confidence in using computers. I partnered with a local community center to utilize their computer room, where I introduced my trainees to the wide range of music and videos available on YouTube.
IT Can Help (a program run by AbilityNet to provide in-home support for individuals with disabilities to help them with their computing needs.
I had the pleasure of volunteering with their West London team for more than five years. In 2010, I met a mother who required intensive help to address the accessibility challenges faced by both her and her son, who have severe sight impairments.
Mosaic Clubhouse – Who have, for 20 years, been supporting individuals living with mental health conditions in the London Borough of Lambeth.
Here’s a picture of me helping a member with their computer after one of the many training sessions I led in 2021, along with the drop-in sessions I volunteered for.
Community TechAid – Who since 2020 have been collaborating with the public, local organisations and volunteers like me to facilitate the re-use of unwanted digital devices such as laptops and tablets by those who urgently required them, often for schoolwork due to the needs raised by Covid lockdown.
Outings for Older South Londoners (OOSL) A community travel group set up in 2012 to offer older ones in some London areas transported local day outings to places of interest such as galleries and museums.