29/05/2007   D6/07   Downland

Computer boost for local community

A local housing provider has given a community an IT boost with the donation of new computer equipment.

Downland Housing Association has provided three new PCs at the Saltworkz Café – a community facility in America Lane, Haywards Heath, run by local churches.

The £3,000 worth of equipment will help local residents in Bentswood wishing to develop their IT skills or simply wanting make the most of the internet to order their groceries or catch up with old friends.

In return for the new computers, the Saltworkz Café has provided Downland with its old computers so that they can be used by other local people.

Nicky Dodds, community project worker at Downland Housing Association, said: “As a major housing provider in Bentswood, we are committed to supporting the local community. That means helping local people to access new skills through training, and working with others to provide high-quality neighbourhood facilities.

“The Saltworkz Café is a fantastic centre that is well used by local residents. I hope that this new equipment will encourage many more people to visit the café and make use of its facilities.”

The café, which opened in 2005, is used by residents of all ages. The computers, which are provided on a first-come, first-served basis, can be used for a range of activities including playing computer games, sending and receiving emails, browsing the web or preparing a CV.

To launch the new computers, residents were invited to the first of a planned series of training sessions on basic IT skills on Wednesday evening (May 23rd).

Graham Nicholls, a trustee of the Saltworkz Café, said: “The café provides a community base in Bentswood and the computers are a real draw.

“The new computers mean residents can benefit from the latest packages and for the first time we are offering basic IT training.

“We are very grateful to Downland Housing Association for the donation and are pleased that the old computers will also be going to a good home.”

The café is open 9am-5pm Monday to Friday, and 10am-3pm on Saturdays. It also provides tea and coffee, hot and cold food and a children’s play area.

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