Digital Companion

The Leicester Ageing Together partnership has been working since October 2015 to reduce isolation and loneliness in older people in Leicester. So far, we have reached over 6,000 older people.

We’re looking for Digital Companions to support people aged 50+ by helping them find out more about technology. They will advise and train the people we support to use digital devices to get online and connect with the community.  We have funding to train 10 participants to use their own devices effectively.  We will also provide devices to 20 participants and will need you to help them to familiarise themselves with their new equipment and access the online environment.

This involves supporting people who have limited experience with a computer, who will need training and support that will promote independence, social inclusion or improve their lives.

The level of support provided will vary from person to person – some may require a brief intervention to help them overcome one particular difficulty they are experiencing, whilst others with less technological experience may need long-term support as they build their computer skills. 

Responsibilities: 

Your skills will help people to:

• Find their way around a device.
• Navigating the internet safely
• Setting up an email account
• Searching for information on the internet
• Downloading apps like social media and meeting tools
• Using communication tools like Zoom and Facetime
• Signposting to local organisations that may benefit the participant
• Signposting to online activities and hobbies

 All Digital Companions will:

• Keep an accurate record of volunteering activities and share this with the Digital Inclusion Manager
• Maintain confidentiality of service user’s personal information in line with LAT’s policies and procedures
• Attend a Digital Companion training sessions.
• Report any concerns to the Digital Inclusion Manager

 Qualities and skills we are looking for:

• You need to want to broaden your own computing skills and pick up skills
• You do not need to be a computing expert!
• You need to be good at communicating computing terms to absolute beginners clearly and with patience.
• Be willing to learn new skills
• A sociable, caring and understanding manner
• Reliable.

What resources and help is there for Digital Companions?

We’ll support and train you to help people remotely and where possible in person, so that you develop your own confidence and skills too. Our team will be there for you to check in with and help to resolve any questions you have.

We provide Training:

• Safeguarding Training
• Safety Online
• Basic knowledge about the devices/ and ways to support people to get online.
• Updates on services locally to help people stay connected.

Health & Safety:

All volunteers will be expected to:

• Ensure that they comply with Vista’s Health & Safety policy at all times
• Take reasonable care for the Health & Safety of themselves and others whom may be affected by their acts or omissions whilst volunteering.

This volunteering opportunity is suitable for volunteers aged 18 years and above and is subject to a DBS check and two references.

If this sounds like something you would be interested in then we’d love to hear from you.

Next steps:
For an application form, please contact 07967 799364 or volunteering@vistablind.org.uk, or apply online at www.vistablind.org.uk/volunteer