WVSC’s Volunteer Centre is partnering with other organisations in Wolverhampton to create a Digital Buddies network, aimed at recruiting volunteers who will help people to practise and build confidence in improving their digital / IT skills.
What are Digital Buddies?
As society moves to more digital and online access, many people can potentially feel left behind. They may not have the basic digital or IT skills that can help them in day to day living, including not being able to use social media to help them keep in touch with friends and family or join groups. We hope to offer support to people by pairing them with a buddy to help them to develop their confidence and ability with all things IT related. In line with our Safer Recruitment policies, a DBS check will be undertaken for this role. The ‘buddy’ bit is important too; some people may want to talk more generally in addition to being supported to use their equipment.
Purpose of the role
To help people to practise and build confidence in improving their IT / digital skills and ability to use social media, so that they can take part in important activities such as claiming benefits, booking medical appointments and connect with friends and family. To connect with people informally on a one to one basis in a friendly and approachable way.
What you will be doing
Supporting people in learning how to use computers along with other IT equipment including phones and tablets in the following areas.
- Getting people started on using their equipment, phones, tablets, laptops, using the mouse and keyboard if available
- Specific IT packages and training software e.g. Microsoft Word, Excel,
- Using social media e.g. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or messaging apps such as WhatsApp & Facebook Messenger
- Online conference platforms such as Zoom, Teams, Google Meet etc.
- Setting up and using Email accounts
- Using apps to support daily living and independence
And other areas as required.
Duties will also entail
- Recording information about your work.
- Signposting people to other areas of support
- Spending time talking with people when that seems appropriate
Skills, experience and qualities required
- The most important qualities are enthusiasm, a willingness to learn and reliability
- Friendly and able to build rapport with people
- Open minded and non-judgemental
- Patient
- Good listening and communication skills
- To be able to use some social media platforms and software packages – we will match your skills and interests to the peoples’ needs and there is no expectation that you will be an IT ‘expert’.
- Experience of helping people to use digital or IT equipment would be ideal but not essential (training and support will be provided)
- Open to learning and be able to reflect on experiences
- A commitment to Wolverhampton Voluntary Sector Council’s policies and procedures, especially around confidentiality, safeguarding and equal opportunities.
When and where
Hours to suit, initially by telephone / online, and once safe to do so in community settings, libraries and cafes.
Support offered
- Pack of information
- Induction
- Full training for role
- Regular update meetings
- Personal development opportunities
- Ongoing support
What you could get out of it
- An opportunity for you to use and enhance your skills through helping others
- The chance to enhance your own CV
- An opportunity to gain experience of working in the community environment working alongside committed colleagues
Find out more & become a Digital Buddy
Join us at our co-design session on Tuesday 9th March at 17:30 to help us envisage what a Digital Buddies Network could look like in Wolverhampton. Register your place here.
For more information, please contact Pete Emms on pemms@wolverhamptonvsc.org.uk or 01902 773 761.