Computer Pals Narrabeen celebrates 30 year milestone
Computer Pals for Seniors Northern Beaches (CPS) has empowered over 3,000 seniors to be tech savvy at the Tramshed Arts and Community Centre in Narrabeen for the last 30 years.
Nan Bosler, of Collaroy Plateau, was the first elected president of CPS and went on to form the Australian Seniors Computer Clubs Association (ASCCA), a nationwide umbrella organisation for all Computer Pals clubs across Australia.
“We had a whole range of older seniors who knew nothing about technology, and it was invading our world. We really needed to help those people to manage technology,” Nan explains.
Nan says that while seniors have some idea about technology from using smart phones, there’s always more to learn.
“They don’t always know how to take advantage of phones,” says Nan. “They hear about scams and they’re terrified, afraid to make any updates in case it’s a scam. They need to manage technology now.
“By having a few simple little rules and making careful use of your time on a computer, you can’t go wrong.”
Nan says she doesn’t know what she’d have done without the internet during the COVID-19 pandemic. She even met her two youngest great-grandsons for the first time on the internet.
Computer clubs are a wonderful social outlet for seniors. At CPS in Narrabeen, there’s a great sense of community and it’s a warm and welcoming place.
“It’s wonderful getting together,” says Nan. “It’s so nice – you have friends for life.”
During school terms CPS teaches seniors all about email, using apps, safe online banking and avoiding scams, helping them to operate their device with confidence.
Computer Pals covers Android and Apple tablets and phones and Apple, Microsoft and Chromebook laptops.
CPS is a non-profit organisation and it’s run by seniors for seniors, all who volunteer their time.
Other Computer Pals clubs on the Beaches include Frenchs Forest, Manly and Avalon.
CPS is holding a special 30 year celebration after its AGM on 20 August.
Computer Pals would love more students and tutors. Call on 0478 920 651 or email training.compalsnb@gmail.com for information.