Build Your Own Computer expands

BYOC has been asked to travel North and we plan to deliver our hottest selling training package to Communities First in Pwllheli! If you would like us to travel to you to teach you how to build your own computer, then please get in touch.

Exciting New Project

Ceredigion Digital Inclusion Working Group: bit of a mouthful but a very well intentioned group that is planning to take Ceredigion by storm, cascading the knowledge of IT and promoting all it’s innovation through the community.

Look out for updates!

Press Releases

RECYCLED COMPUTERS BRIDGING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE

“Building your own computer from second hands parts is easier that you might imagine”

An innovative pilot project called Build Your Own Computer (B.Y.O.C.) has been launched in Aberystwyth bringing together recycling and information technology. In a bid to bridge the digital divide and save old computers being sent to landfill, Phoenix Cymru Directors, Catherine Beckham and Mark Giddens approached Craft and Communities First to see if funding could be sought to deliver the training and address the following key areas:

• Reduce the amount of landfill by recycling old computers
• Increase the skills in the local community with real hands on experience
• Demonstrate that information technology can be accessible to all
• Enable people to over come their fear of opening up a personal computer

The pilot project was approved by the Communities First Partnership in January and funding was granted for 3 sessions teaching 5 people at a time.

The project has had participants referred from Ceredigion Training, Dyfed Powys Probation and Want 2 Work. Dylan Lewis, the Communities First Community Development Officer for Aberystwyth & Penparcau is fully supportive of the venture and says, “This project is an excellent example of community initiative, creativity and innovation. It is making a real difference in terms of confidence building and the generation of new skills.”

Geoff Hughes, from Craft who has been assisting with the course makes the point that this is an opportunity for people to “get to grips with the mechanics of the machines and gain real hands on experience as opposed to just learning theory”.

Mark Strong, Town Councillor said, “I am delighted to support Phoenix Cymru’s innovative project as they have demonstrated an imaginative way of helping the community access IT and the benefits it provides”.

Participants who attended the course said they were quite amazed at what they achieved during one day and were very grateful for the opportunity to take home the computer they had made.

One participant said the course has given him the confidence to install new software and that the new computer has been used by his daughter when doing her homework.

The opportunity to build your own computer has been so popular that the 15 places that were funded were snapped up within 48 hours and there is now a waiting list for those who want to get on the next course. Many have asked, “When’s the next one happening?!”

Project Director Mark Giddens who designed the one-day course hopes that future funding can be secured and also invites members of the community to get in touch if they have any old computers they wish to donate to the project.

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I.T.'s Easy @ PC!

A community group has been awarded a £5,000 grant so it can launch an IT surgery at an Aberystwyth coffee house.

Phoenix Cymru's IT Surgery Easy PC is aimed at computer users at all levels, from beginners to those in need of more specialised advice.

Sessions will be held at the Olive Branch Coffee House in Pier Street in the town on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 10am and midday and 2pm and 4pm.

Funding for the not-for-profit project has been provided by lottery money under the Awards for All scheme.

Project Director Penny Rischmiller is thrilled at the award. She said: "This money is going to make a real difference. Phoenix Cymru was set up by local volunteers to bridge the gap of the digital divide and with this grant we will be able to provide an innovative mobile IT surgery that is designed around the needs of the individual and helps demystify today's technology ~ hence the name Easy PC!"

There will be Internet access, an opportunity to learn about Microsoft Office Pro Plus 2007 and if you have any computer related concerns, a chance to book an appointment with the in house PC Doctor.