Judy overcomes fears with new device from Everyone Connected

Judy had always been afraid of technology. Her husband, who died last year, never used the internet or computers for work, meaning both had been very far removed from the digital world.

When Covid-19 hit last year, staff at her local library enquired as to how she was going to cope now that she was unable to come in and access books and get information about the local area. Judy’s son had persuaded her to buy a mobile phone in the last couple of years, but without the digital skills and confidence, this had remained relatively unused and so was left cut off from the outside world.

I feel I have come a long way from someone who was originally so scared of technology

With her local library receiving devices from the Everyone Connected programme, they were able to get a data enabled tablet out to Judy at the start of the pandemic. Judy, who openly notes that she was very scared and somewhat dubious about receiving a device, now recognises the numerous ways in which it has helped her over the last few months. Judy tells us:

“I’ve been able to search for information using the internet, download e-books and read the news, I feel I have developed a few digital skills but I know there is a long way to go.”

For her, the support offered by staff at the library as well as the ease of using the tablet really helped her develop her digital literacy skills. When Covid-19 restrictions lift, Judy hopes to begin attending digital skills classes at her local library.

Judy tells us about overcoming her fear:

“Although I’m still nervous about buying anything online or downloading any additional apps, I feel I have come a long way from someone who was originally so scared of technology and computers. The experience has been fantastic, I’ve done things I never thought I’d be able to do.”