We have previously surveyed patients in our clinics indicating  that about only a quarter of the patient population knew how to use internet and e-mail, or had any access.  As a result of this we had embarked on internet roadshows to increase patients' knowledge and ability to use e-mail as a convenient and rapid method of communication  with  their  care personnel.  To further increase community expertise, the community uptake of internet use and e-mail correspondence with healthcare workers, we have successfully obtained a major grant which enabled us to set up an on-line learning centre in the community with the help of a community centre.