Shutdown for SeniorNet Nelson

SeniorNet Nelson is officially logging off at the end of March with some members concerned those who still need help with modern technology will have nowhere to turn.

The organisation is part of a community training network that supports people over 50 to use computers and other devices.

Run by people who are also over 50, the group was set up in 1993 to help members with Windows desktop computers. Over the years it’s embraced other technology such as tablets, phones, apps and cameras.

More recently, members were taught how to master Zoom calls, online shopping and online banking.

Rod Lewis, 81, has been a group host at SeniorNet for close to two decades and says closing is a mistake as it provides a valuable service to the elder community.

“There are a lot of older people who still struggle with the internet and technological developments, and they get a lot of benefit from being able to get affordable help.”

People could attend one-on-one sessions to help with any issues they had specifically and Rod says this element of the group will be sorely missed.

“Older people who don’t understand technology are less intimidated by people of a similar age. Going into a shop to ask an 18-year-old who ‘knows everything’ and can’t relate to the older people is really confronting.”

Chairman for SeniorNet Nelson, Larry Cleary, says, over time members have developed their skills and are now more tech savvy, so the decision was made to close.

“It is with great sadness that after almost 30 years of learning technology together the committee has decided to close down.

“With more people knowing about computers, we came to the realisation that we had done our job.”

The plan is to continue with two interest groups which SeniorNet ran, but under the new U3A banner. However, the one-on-one sessions will be dropped completely.

Rod says this will alienate people who rely on the help group as, although there are independent services available in Nelson, the cost of a private consultation is not realistic for small things like how to email a photo.

“Where will they go now? I’m not bitter, but I’m very disappointed because I think there is still a great need for what we provided. We had fabulous facilities down there and we’ve given them up, just like that,” he says.