Real Stories - Mary

A few months ago Mary was relaxing at home in Wallsend with a cup of tea while reading the News Guardian.

She was intrigued to come across a list of courses run by Age Concern. Mary, 85, was particularly interested to read about a course called A Walk Through Windows. This was part of a larger Age Concern programme, IT For All, designed to broaden access to computers, especially amongst senior citizens.

Mary decided to sign up for the course, which was held at Age Concern’s Bradbury Centre on Saville Street in North Shields.

“I was a bit wary at first,” says Mary. “In fact on the first day I was really quite nervous! I’d tried an IT course before but hadn’t enjoyed it. The class had about 36 pupils of all ages and abilities and the students who knew more about computers tended to hug the limelight as it were and everyone else got left behind.

“But A Walk Through Windows was much better. There were about 10 people in the class and the tutor was able to give a lot of time to individual students. 

“A lot of it in fact was one-to-one tuition, which was great and the teacher was very good. He took it step-by-step so that no-one was left behind. And it’s the little things that count. The tutor spoke very clearly, for example, which was good for the hard of hearing.

“The lessons were excellent. The teacher had a big screen on the wall that everyone could see. He would demonstrate a task on the screen and then go round the class, one by one, making sure all the students were okay with the task in hand. We were also provided with workbooks and hand-outs, which were clearly written and easy to follow.

“I was really impressed by the whole set-up.”

Thanks to A Walk Through Windows, Mary has become much more confident in using computers. 

“Well the first thing is, I don’t worry about breaking my computer anymore! I know that sounds a bit daft but people who aren’t used to computers do worry about this sort of thing; pressing the wrong button and wiping out something important, especially if you’re using someone else’s computer!

“So the first thing I learnt on A Walk Through Windows is not to be so worried about using computers. And then I learnt all about typing and printing and the Internet, which included sending and receiving e-mails. And what a thrill is was to get my first e-mail, from a friend in Hampshire.

“The course also covered things like ID theft and we learnt about how to safely use credit cards etc on-line, for example, how to look out for the gold padlock on a website, which means it’s secure.

“I feel good about computers now. I’m able to keep in touch with friends all over the country and also my son who often works away from home, which is one of the main reasons why I signed up for the course. 

“Older people especially can feel isolated and cut off from society, from their family and friends, particularly if they’re housebound or just can’t get out and about very easily. 

“Having a computer, and access to the Internet, changes all that. Suddenly I was able to communicate with friends all over the country, some of whom I hadn’t been able to get in touch with for years. And since I started using the Internet, I’ve found out about all sorts of things, from library services to clubs and societies, from A-Z. 

“Using e-mail is also a good way of keeping the cost of phone bills down! Another thing is that we are all being encouraged to pay our bills on-line and so computers are becoming more and more important. 


Mary is now planning to use her new found confidence in using computers. In August she starts a new Age Concern course called Putting It Into Practice, which builds on the success of A Walk Through Windows.

“The main thing I’ve learnt is that there’s no need to be afraid of computers – and just how useful they can be. 

“In fact, A Walk Through Windows has opened all sorts of doors for me!”


Written by Chris Rooney, based on an interview with Mary