Digital Champion: Volunteer Role Guide

Location:          Working 1-1 in clients’ homes or running groups at centres across various locations to suit

Reporting to:    Project Development Worker, Worth Connecting

The Worth Connecting Project aims to help older people gain skills in the use of mobile devices and IT and, as a result, become less isolated and more connected.

For those of us who use technology on a daily basis, we know how much it can help – to keep in touch with family and friends, listen to music, take and share photographs, book a ticket, order shopping or help you find out what’s going on in your area. Our Digital Champions will offer their support to our clients in sharing this knowledge. Working on a one to one basis with a client in their home, you will support them to use technology in a way which works for them, and help them to discover opportunities for increased and more meaningful social contact. As a volunteer, you will make a huge difference to the delivery of this project, enabling us to provide support to a much wider group of clients.

Hours are flexible but we ask that you commit to seeing a client for around an hour a week for a six-week block at a time. We would ask our volunteers to commit to the project as a whole for a minimum of six months.

Relating to your role:

At the beginning of each assignment you will receive a brief about your client, their background and the things they would like to learn. Over approximately six 1-1 sessions you will support them to meet those needs, passing on your knowledge and helping them to overcome any barriers they feel are preventing them from using technology.

You will identify opportunities for your client to socialise, maybe supporting them to attend group sessions run by the project or other local groups that are of interest to them. You might like to set up your own regular group, to provide a social opportunity for a range of clients, and your Project Development Worker can support you with this if it is of interest.

You will have regular contact with your Project Development Worker including mentoring and support, and you will be accompanied by them for your first 1-1 session. You will receive a full induction and ongoing training to give you the skills you need. You don’t need previous experience, just a good grasp of how to use a tablet and a desire to make a difference.

Person Specification:

• Experience of using tablets, laptops and/or smartphones (you do not need to be an expert)
• Able to teach and pass on information in a patient and supportive manner
• Non-judgemental, sympathetic and a good listener, encouraging confidence and motivation
• Awareness and/or understanding of the key issues facing the client
• Reliable, able to keep to appointments with the client (barring illness)
• Able to maintain client confidentiality
• Commitment to sharing information with the Project Development Worker
• Able to travel to clients’ homes (travel expenses paid)