"I used to be an employment advisor myself,” explains Nasima, "so I knew to get back into work I needed to update my skills. While I’d used things like word processing and simple databases before, it was about five years ago!"

"I stopped work when my son, Maheen, was small. He’s now eight, and his sister Melisa is four years old. I took time out because I didn’t trust anyone else to look after them, and I’m so pleased we’ve had that time together. Soon both of them will be at school though, so it’s time for me to find another job. The problem is after five years out of the workplace going back is a bit scary! I know lots of things will have changed and that I’m out of practice."

"I saw an advert for some computer classes at the Aberfeldy Neighbourhood UK online centre. As well as learning at the classes, there is a special offer where they give you a computer at home for six months. They set it up for you, and pay you a home visit once a week to check that everything is okay, answer any questions and sort out any problems you are having. It seemed too good an opportunity to pass up!"

"I was a bit daunted when I first started in April, but the classes are really good! I’ve made lots of friends, and on a Wednesday afternoon we all bring our children in and have a session where we use the computers with them. Maheen has made friends there too, and he thinks mum going to lessons is a great idea! He also likes having the computer at home because he uses one at school all the time. Now we can use it together, and I think that will make a difference to how well he does at school."

"I never went on the internet much before, and I’m amazed at all the things that are out there! I’ve been on the NHS site and direct.gov and looked up loads of information on all sorts of subjects. I’m also using the internet to look for jobs. I’d like to use my new computer skills to work in an office environment – perhaps in a school or somewhere that I can fit my hours around school times and terms. I’ve also revised some of my office skills on the course. Lots of rules have changed now – like how you set out a letter when you’re word processing and how many spaces you use. It’s good to catch up and already I feel so much better about going back to work."

"Going to the Aberfeldy Neighbourhood UK online centre has been good for all of us. I’ve got my confidence and my skills back, my children get my help on the computer for their school work and for fun, and my husband gets me to look things up for him all the time! I think these skills are very important for families, and can make so many things better and easier. Everyone should give it a go!”