The Boot-IT Club is a community driven group aimed mainly at older people (50+) who want or need help in using technology. Focussing on tablet computers the club has been providing help and support since 2014 with weekly meetings where people come and learn and get help either from each other or from the tutor/specialist. It’s held at the Boot and Slipper pub in Barmby Moor at 10 o’clock on Thursday mornings with tea, coffee and biscuits and between 10 and 20 people come along each session. The sessions cost £6.00 (first session free) including the refreshments. It’s a very friendly place where people help each other as everyone has been through the anxieties and nervousness of learning about technology. Subjects covered are really diverse; new technology, email and internet basics, troubleshooting, setting up devices, using different apps, looking at websites, social media, watching videos, taking photos… you name it, it will be covered! People come from all over the East Riding/York area and have different reasons for attending, whether it be because they are totally new to technology, want to learn more about their new devices/phones or just come for the company and entertainment!
There are hundreds of pages of information on what we have covered over the years.
Boot-IT Ambassadors
Whilst the group is popular, it does
not reach everyone and not everyone knows about it. In 2018 the project was awarded Big Lottery funding to reach out into the communities in the wider area to let people know about what we do and encourage them to come along. The funding was used to cover the costs of going to other groups, meetings and public venues and talking to people. The ambassadors were supported and given additional training and skills to make sure they could provide the best information and limited “on the spot” help. Additionally, some of the tablets owned by the group were made available to loan to people who may not be able to get to the Thursday sessions. Over the period around 500 people spoken to. The project is now finished, but we can still come and talk to you. If you or your group would like more information and a visit, contact us at ambassadors@boot-it.org.uk or phone the Boot and Slipper on 01759 303328.
Who can have a visit and get some help?
Anyone! Age is not important and nor is size of your group. Even if you are on your own and struggling with technology, you can give us a call. We can travel and will try and come at a time to suit you or your group/organisation. You can also arrange to come and see us. We don’t get paid for doing this so we reserve the right to decline your request as we may not have the capacity.
