• FROM older people reading newspapers and looking for human interaction to mothers with young children who feel isolated, residents benefit from the facilities at Belsize Community Library.

The library, run by The Winch, is now a thriving hub for the whole community. Residents interested in confronting digital exclusion came to a recent technology and afternoon tea party held there in partnership with Dentsu Aegis Network.

Away from their office desks for the day, the digitally skilful and friendly team of Dentsu volunteers gave hands-on, one-to-one help to the over-60s on how to get to grips with gadgets.

With a backdrop of a friendly face, in a friendly place, also computer help books on the shelves, what better way to get to grips with Skype, Facebook, Instagram, apps, etc?

By popular demand, it is hoped to have more getting-to-grips-with-gadgets sessions, by bringing Camden businesses in. Friends of the library were delighted to work with Dentsu Aegis Network and the library management with­out whom the event would not have been possible.

David Tooke, of Dentsu Aegis Network wrote: “Exclusion from the digital world means that individuals are excluded from a platform for socialising, being part of democratic debates, bargain-hunting and accessing an infinite amount of knowledge.

“When Belsize library approached us about setting up a ‘Tea and Tech’ day, to train older people in how to use technology, we were delighted. As the key hub for the whole community in Belsize, the library was the perfect venue for the training. As a Camden employer, it gave us a chance to put something back into our community.”

MYRA NEWMAN
Friends of Belsize Library