According to some statistics there are over eight-million adults in the UK who have never used the internet. Four million of those are among the most disadvantaged. Thiry-nine per cent are over 65, 38 per cent are unemployed and 19 per cent are families with children.

Internet access helps build links across generations and geographies, which is particularly relevant for the older generations and those on benefits. Helping people to go online also facilitates their social, financial and developmental integration into the online world.

The existence of the Race Online 2012 initiative was brought to the Whitland Memorial Hall's attention by Mrs. Susan Adams from the Station House in Whitland. Having heard about it on the radio, she organised an Open Day at the Station House to gauge the community's interest in going online. She then contacted the Memorial Hall to see if this organisation was willing to embark on a joint project to help get as many people as possible online.

In October 2011, the Whitland Memorial Hall started in its own small scale project to help some of those people go online. The hall proved to be an ideal location for computer and internet courses since it already had a broadband connection available and a projector and screen, valuable tools in the delivery of lessons to a group. It was also successful in securing financial funding from the Co-op Membership Community Fund towards the purchase of extra laptops and payment of wages to a tutor.

There are two weekly sessions open to anyone who might need help, from 'how to turn on your computer' to 'want to learn a bit more'. Classes are on Thursday afternoons, with the beginners' class at 12.30 pm and the 'want to know more' at 2.30 pm. The teaching is very informal, with the main aim being to allow people to learn at their own pace in a relaxed and fun atmosphere.

The hall was lucky to secure the services of Mrs. Diane Evans to oversee the teaching of classes. A small team of volunteers help out, mostly when a new group of beginners starts, to make sure everyone gets 'one to one' attention when taking the first steps into the world of computers.

Last Friday, present and past pupils were invited to a party held to celebrate a very successful first year, which saw over 40 people attend the classes. This occasion was also an ideal opportunity to acknowledge the support from Race Online 2012 and the financial contribution from the Co-operative Membership Community Fund.

Ms. Megan Swift, deputy manager of the Whitland Co-op Food Store, attended to present a plaque on behalf of Co-operative Membership Community Fund. Mr. John Tonen, vice-chairman of the 50+ Forum Carmarthenshire (http://www.carmarthenshire50.org.uk">www.carmarthenshire50.org.uk), also attended the event and had the opportunity to explain to the group the aims of the 50+ Forum.

Earlier in the year, the 50+ Forum had organised a digital inclusion week at the National Gardens of Wales and facilitated the attendance of members of the Whitland computers classes.

Looking into the future, the Memorial Hall is looking into the possibility of an 'internet café' for those who, although knowing how to use computers, do not have their own computer or do not have internet access at home. In the long run, as the community becomes more internet knowledgeable, if suitable, the focus could change from the teaching format into a more 'internet café' environment. However, it will be important to ensure that help will always be available for anyone wanting to get started or needing one to one support. An 'internet café' would further benefit the community by also providing a place for social interaction.