An enthusiastic group of Raglan residents has been learning the ins and outs of Facebook, Skype, the internet and emailing via an initiative called Coffee and Computers.

Led by tutor Mary Reed from Monmouthshire Community Learning, the group - which includes a number of Monmouthshire Housing Association tenants - recently completed Entry level 1 Qualification in Basic Skills in Work and Life,

Computers, smart phones and tablets have become an essential part of daily life for the majority of people and lack of basic technological know-how can be excluding.

The weekly sessions are an opportunity to make new friends while learning skills which will keep members of the group updated and connected to the world and family members who live far away.

The 15-week course covered everything from how to connect to Wi-fi to how to use a search engine and how to send email attachments and Mary built a great rapport with everyone involved.

In fact there was such a friendly, warm and welcoming vibe about the sessions that many of the participants have become good friends.

“We’re really enjoying learning something new every week and having the old grey cells challenged a little bit,” said one.

“I’ve gained so much more knowledge and confidence - and the social side of the course has also been great,” said another.

An unexpected bonus of taking the course was gaining student status. By signing up for their student cards online, members could access discount in places such as the Co-op and the cinema!

Even though the course has come to an end they’re planning to continue meeting at Raglan Fellowship Centre every Monday to reinforce their skills and support one another.