Real projects Window on the world Older people in Cornwall have gained access to a powerful learning resource through the county’s libraries. The project extended information and communication technology (ICT) provision from libraries to 11 community sites, including hospices, day centres, sheltered housing schemes and residential homes. Users of the system can order library materials to be delivered to the site by a trained study support officer. They can also set up inter-site reading groups, ordering and discussing books on-line. The project also helps people with disabilities, by providing specialist ICT equipment to improve their access. Mobile museum Artefacts and photographs have been taken beyond the museum walls in a project to provide ‘reminiscence therapy’ for older people in Portsmouth. The materials, including photographs, postcards, school logbooks and other items, are loaned out to community librarians and social services staff, and through directed sessions led by archivists and curators. In this way they are brought to housebound residents in the city, and those using local day centres or living in residential care homes. Feedback has confirmed the value of the work in encouraging people to meet and share their memories with others. WOLLOP has an impact WOLLOP – Walworth Older Learners Local Opportunities Project – was formed to trawl for learning opportunities in the neighbourhood. It produced a 40-page reference booklet for distribution through local clubs, libraries, leisure centres and other locations. As a result, older people in this area of south-east London gained a comprehensive list of learning opportunities in their area. But the guide was not the only result of WOLLOP’s work. The local CAD (computer-aided design) centre agreed to run a free weekly computer class for older people. And the project also led to the launch of the Explorers’ Club for older people in Southwark, which organises regular outings. For further information, contact Tony Lynes on 0171 733 7235.

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