Job seekers and silver surfers are getting help on line following the installation of superfast wireless broadband at two Weaver Vale Housing Trust facilities.

The Northwich based housing association has worked with specialist broadband company Keycom to install wireless connections at the Greenbank Community Hub, Northwich, and at the independent living apartments in Weaverham.

An open day was held for residents in the Greenbank area to show them how to use the free wi-fi from Weaver Vale.

Weaver Vale’s IT and Work and Enterprise teams are working together to highlight the benefits available on-line for people looking for work.

A second scheme is allowing over-50s at the independent living apartments, in Moretons Meade, Weaverham, to access computers installed in their communal lounge areas.

Older residents, or so-called silver surfers, will be offered training on how to access information on-line.

Rachel Kettle, of Weaver Vale Housing, said: “Opening up easy access to the internet allows residents further access to our services and to access information on-line. The Greenbank Hub is open throughout the week and staff from our Work and Enterprise team will be on hand at the Greenbank hub once a week to give residents help with their job searches.

“The service allows residents to connect via their own laptops, so they do not have to wait to use one of the housing association’s computers.”

“Weaver Vale is committed to promoting independent living for our older residents and providing internet access help.

“Two computers are due to be installed at Moretons Meade and training will be offered on how to use them.”

The free wi-fi project is expected to be rolled out to further locations later in 2014.

Keycom provides broadband services to a wide range of sectors including student accommodation, hospital accommodation and military accommodation. Exceptional broadband speeds are backed up by 24 hours a day support from staff at Keycom’s Stafford based offices.

Kevin Williams, Head of Corporate Sales, said: “We are delighted to be working with Weaver Vale. The system provided for the housing association allows for multiple access points for staff, guests and residents. It is a fully managed system with content control ensuring access is properly monitored.”

Keycom provides a range of broadband services to housing associations. Housing associations are increasingly looking to help their tenants get online – and this has become increasingly important due to Government welfare changes.

A new system, known as Universal Credit, will mean benefit claimants are expected to manage payments using an online system.

ENDS

For media enquiries contact Nigel Howle on 07762043436, email [email protected]

Notes to Editors:

Keycom is a provider of high speed (up to 1 Gb/s), tailored broadband solutions to organisations across the UK. From offices in Stafford and Wrexham, Keycom work across a wide range of business sectors. These include housing associations, the NHS, universities and the armed forces.

Further information is available online at www.keycom.co.uk