CommunityGrid

AIMES has played a key role in the development of a unique digital inclusion project to deliver free computing and internet access to 250 homes in the Parr area of St Helens.

The project, which is a collaboration between AIMES, Helena Housing and St Cuthbert’s Catholic Community College for Business and Enterprise in Parr, will provide 250 families with a keyboard, screen and a small, lightweight computing device called a ‘thin client’ which will allow them to plug in and access the service and use a raft of different software packages. The connectivity to the home from the network is provided wirelessly.

“The pilot is the first step towards our vision of a ‘Community Grid’ across Merseyside, providing easy access to the Internet and low-cost computing for all,” says Project Manager Marie Messenger from AIMES.

St Cuthbert’s has provided a list of 250 pupils – half of which are clients of Helena Housing - who have no computer or internet access in the home. These pupils and their families will be able to use this service over a twelve month period. The hardware for the project is being provided free of charge.

Says Marie Messenger: “The cost of access is a barrier to digital inclusion, but just as important is ease of access. The provision of a managed service at home means that the user has to do no more than switch on and log in. With this centrally hosted service, all people have to do is switch on and everything will be there for them.”

Each home linked up to the service will have broadband internet access and a range of software packages. Children will also have access to the software they use at school, to continue projects at home and extend their computer skills and understanding. Everything will be linked through a community portal which will also provide easy access to useful local information for the whole family, for example on health provision or housing.

“Having access to a computer at home gives children a major advantage in their education,” said AIMES director, Professor Dennis Kehoe. “And adults who lack computer literacy and knowledge of basic software packages are more likely to be excluded from the jobs market. The internet can also help to combat isolation and increase a sense of community, particularly for the elderly, infirm or housebound. The aim of the Community Grid is to bridge this digital divide, to ensure that everyone can have affordable access to the benefits of computing.”

The pilot will run for 12 months and AIMES will be meeting regularly with users to ensure evolving community needs and interests are incorporated into the project. Further pilots are planned with other key user groups, including Registered Social Landlords, community groups and public sector organisations.

For further information please contact Marie Messenger at AIMES on 0151 795 0105