NEW friends are being made across the generations in Wotton-under-Edge - all thanks to a computer.

Residents at Dryleaze House have access to a communal computer in the lounge, but many people had never used it and were apprehensive about having a go. So they decided to set out to find themselves some young friends who could teach them.

Mary George, 87, an active member of the Dryleaze House community, started making enquiries and soon found a group of home educated young people from around the town who were keen to share their skills.

Now the young people visit regularly and show the residents how to do all sorts of things - from simply turning the computer on and off, to using Wikipedia, emailing and printing out letters. But the process isn’t one-way - the young people learn lots from their older friends, who share all sorts of skills and stories of their own.

To enable everyone to get involved, some new equipment was also required. Many residents found that it was extremely difficult to use the computer mouse they had available to them. It was too sensitive and hard to control, particularly for those with arthritis.

So they researched different options and chose a new mouse with a trackerball which is proving much more user-friendly and enabling more of the residents to start taking part. A Small Sparks Grant from Barnwood Trust helped them to buy what they needed.

Mary George said: “I’m grateful to have young people come up here to help the older residents learn something new. It does seem to have given several people a new lease of life!”

Resident, Elsie Brooks, added: “I’ve surprised myself at 91 years of age because I’m able to have a go!”

And Keith Carter, 92, who has been an enthusiastic participant throughout, says: “I didn’t think I’d be able to pick up the computing but I’m finding it very good. I want every opportunity to learn and to keep my brain active for as long as I can.”

Barnwood Trust is a charitable foundation supporting people in Gloucestershire with disabilities and mental health challenges.

Small Sparks grants of up to £250 are available to groups of people of all ages who want to start up new activities where they live. More information can be found at: http://www.barnwoodtrust.org/grants/small_sparks