A new generation of silver surfers are riding on the crest of a digital wave in and around the Motherwell area – thanks to an innovative community project.

From June 2014 to June 2015 some 150 older people from took part in a six-week tutored programme learning to use tablets, iPhones and other digital devices.

Now the digital inclusion project has inspired a real ripple effect of activity – with many of the participants staying online, signing up for additional learning or joining – and even establishing – other related community activities.

“This initiative really has sparked a digital revolution at local level,” explained Peter McNally of North Lanarkshire Council’s Community Learning and Development team, who led the project in conjunction with North Lanarkshire Carers Together.

“Participants learned how to use internet, email, Skype, research family history and visit music sites. They learned new skills, gained new knowledge and got in touch with friends and family via these digital platforms.”

The original programme was set up through the nationwide Reshaping Care for Older People. The ethos of multi-agency collaboration is now being extended to the entire adult population as health and social care integrate. The third sector, independent sector and unpaid carers remain key partners.