Get to know your mobile event bridges the age gap in Ullapool

Young people in Ullapool have taken the mystery out of mobile phones with a series of new technology workshops for older people.

The workshops, which also covered emailing, digital cameras, online shopping, and social networking, proved that contact between two age groups who don’t usually meet can be enjoyable and helpful.

Liz Butler, Serve Our Seniors secretary, said: “A lot of us are frightened of new technology and the young people who came to our group took the fear out of it without being patronising.”

The informal sessions, which were held at Ullapool’s Macphail Centre and Caledonian Hotel, were funded by The Highland Council and more are planned for the autumn. Macphail Centre coordinators Chris Brotherston and Fran Harrison said, “The young people have been very good tutors – conscientious and patient. Feedback from the workshops show that people would like more help from them in the future on using mp3 players, remote controls, and blogs.”

Ullapool’s Youth Development Officer Yvonne Boa said: “With both age groups often marginalised and thinking they have little in common with each other, this process has opened up a mutual respect for these groups.

“Giving the young people the chance to be the tutors has raised the young peoples own self esteem and value in the community. It has been a very enjoyable experience for all involved and I want to thank all those who have taken part, young and older, Highland Council for helping fund the project and the Macphail Centre for making it all possible. Look forward to doing many more sessions, even with my role as tea lady!”

Siobhan McCulloch who was one of the tutors, said,” It was a good way to get young and old people together – we talked a lot and that broke down stereotypes on both sides. I’m looking forward to doing more of these workshops in the autumn.”