10th April 2025
Eden Rural Foyer (ERF) has been operating in the heart of Penrith since 2003, providing accommodation to enable young people to live independently, a cyber café, training rooms, office space and a conference room.
The Community Foundation funded ERF, run by social housing provider the Riverside Group, to develop an IT club to ensure vulnerable and older residents have the essential skills needed to access online services. Delivered in an informal setting in the Foyer’s café, the club caters for all ages and helps people who are able to work to create a CV and register on job searches, for example.
But the project’s main aim is providing one-to-one tuition to vulnerable residents aged 60+ to help them gain confidence in online activities including:
- setting up and running an email account,
- accessing social media to help alleviate social isolation,
- applying for benefits online and accessing government websites,
- registering on NHS Direct and using NHS online services.
Emilia Szulc, Resource Centre Manager, said: “This project is aimed at digitally excluded learners in our community to help them become more confident online. By accessing the training, they will be able to learn IT in a friendly, safe and welcoming environment. It will cover Internet safety and help those who are capable to get back into work and help others to learn new skills and make contacts in the community.”
A grant of £3,373 drawn from three of the Foundation’s funds – Holehird Trust, Fibrus Community Fund Cumbria and Rowan Community First Fund – helped set up the club with IT equipment.
The Foundation has also supported Eden Rural Foyer through the Better Tomorrows fund, providing £16,136 to fund a Youth Officer to lead and manage a new youth club at the Foyer for three years. It is open to all young people aged 12 to 19 who live or study in Penrith and the Eden Valley.
The IT Club will complement the Youth Club and as Emilia said: “The aim is to improve each service user’s life and help some users secure employment in the future. We are aiming to help enhance skills including team building, communication, and confidence for them to use going forwards.”
Lucy Warwick turned to the IT Club for help when homeless and out of work. “If it wasn’t for Emilia, I wouldn’t have got a job. She helped me put my CV together when I was really struggling with PTSD.
“Eden Rural Foyer is amazing. Everyone always puts themselves out to help you, even though they are really busy.”