Words by Smiley Team
So much of our lives is dominated by technology, that it can feel overwhelming when something goes wrong. That's why one neighbourhood initiative is on hand to advise citizens how to fix their IT problems – for free.
The Five Bells Computer Club was established in 2016 by Paul Saunders, in response to Barnet Council’s ‘All Together Better’ initiative – but now it’s run by Toni Koppel. “I had been a volunteer at the club occasionally, and Paul approached me and asked if I’d take over the running of the club as it was such a successful group," Toni tells Smiley News.
"I agreed, and here we are today, every Tuesday afternoon between 2pm and 4pm during term time, offering free help with laptops, smartphones and tablets to anyone who turns up."
The team also provide refreshments, such as hot drinks, fruit and biscuits, and they get anything between 5 and 25 participants each week.
(Read more about this homelessness charity which receives computers)
The club helps people with all sorts of technological issues, from getting their first smartphone, to helping them back up a computer system or upgrading to a new one.
“Often, things in the news become a common problem at the time, for instance when Covid passports were needed, or when WhatsApp changed their privacy settings," says Toni.
“I definitely think older generations are finding life increasingly difficult if they have no internet access or smartphone. We have members who will only drive to places where they can park for free, as they don’t know how to pay for parking with their phones, if they have them.
“Some members need to access council services that are now only available on the website, so often we help loading up photos and reporting problems to the council.”
Other aspects the group helps with include getting a new passport, registering with the doctor to make appointments online, registering for grocery shopping to be delivered, setting up Viber, WhatsApp, getting WhatsApp on laptops, increasing type size on smartphones, changing dictionary languages for spell checks, searching for better phone packages, switching from mobile data usage to free wi-fi when out and about, and using voice activated apps like Hey Google and Siri.
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Toni credits her two teenage sons with helping her with her mobile phone when she had any problems, but said that many members have “no-one to ask”.
The risk of scamming is also a real concern, as some members have been victims and lost thousands.
“We offer a safe, drop-in space, where people can come for help and a friendly chat over a cup of tea," she adds. "For both the volunteers, and the people wanting to help, they go away with a good feeling and a smile on their face, knowing they have helped solve someone’s problem, or found a solution to their own!”
BECOME A VOLUNTEER: You can find out more on the Five Bells website.
SUPPORT: You can also support AbilityNet, which has a network of volunteers who offer free computer and technology support to older people and people with disabilities of any age.
