Dear Syd,
I do enjoy receiving and reading the Newton News each week and was particularly interested in the article – ‘Livin Tenants ‘like’ Digital Services’.
I’m sure I’m not alone in saying this, but as one of Livin Homes more ‘Senior Tenants’, could I express one or two concerns regarding the ‘digital services’?
I do not have and have no desire to own a computer, incredibly I manage to live a life which is computer-free and do not feel that I am missing out in any way.
Until very recently when, my Brother (another of Livin Homes ‘Senior Tenants’) applied to be rehoused. He was visited by a very lovely Occupational Therapist who assessed him and supported his application.
He had received a letter from Livin Homes with information on how to register ‘on-line’ for the ‘bidding-scheme’ where once a week he could ‘log-on’ and submit his bid for any suitable properties and, if successful could be rehoused!
When we asked the Occupational Therapist how, given he had no computer or access to anything ‘on-line’, he was supposed to be able to ‘bid’ for properties – she informed him that there was no other way to apply for a property.
So, reading the article made me wonder if my Brother and I are the only ones who feel disadvantaged and discriminated against by this ‘on-line’ scheme that does not take into account the many elderly tenants Livin homes who are not ‘computer-literate’ and see no need to be. And if it were not for their computer-savvy relatives who are willing to help, they would continue to be left out on a limb and disadvantaged.
Surely the ‘bidding-scheme’ cannot only be available for those with ‘on-line’ access?
For me and many other Senior Tenants and Senior Newtonians I wonder if this is pertinent:
‘On-line’ is my washing that blows in the breeze,
‘Tablets’ are things that I swallow with teas,
‘Windows’ in my house let in the light,
‘The Net’ are my curtains I draw every night,
‘Surfing’ is something that belongs to the sea,
‘iPod’? can you eat it like a pod with a pea?
‘Broadband’ goes round the brim of my hat.
‘Email’ – I prefer mail that drops on my mat.
‘Laptops and Apps’ are mysteries unknown,
My house is definitely a computer-free zone.
TV’s OK, if sometimes a bore,
My favourite’s the wireless and Radio 4!’
George Wheatley – 87 spritely years old!
and on behalf of my 90 year old Brother!
Vane Road, Newton Aycliffe