The Comradeship Circles service aims to reduce loneliness by offering older members of the ex-service community the opportunity to enjoy regular group camaraderie by telephone. A Comradeship Circle will host typically six people on the same day and time each week to chat about a range of topics and interests over the phone. A Volunteer Facilitator or Supervisor will be on every call to encourage discussion and ensure the conversation flows. We are looking for Technical Support Volunteers who will ensure the smooth running of the Comradeship Circle by connecting veterans to the call, monitoring connection throughout the hour, and updating the contact management database. This role is home based and requires access to a laptop, headphones and the internet. Main tasks include dialling in the veterans and connecting them to the circle an updating the charity database. 1-2 hours per week at the same time each week (with some flexibility for cover) over a 6 month minimum period. For more information please contact Caroline McDonald, Comradeship Circles Coordinator at email: caroline.mcdonald@agescotland.org.uk or tel.: 0131 378 7206.

The Comradeship Circles service enables socially isolated older members of the veterans communities to enjoy camaraderie with others who share an armed forces background in regular and facilitated telephone group calls. The role is to connect and welcome veterans to the group call,monitor the connection throughout and update the contact management database.

Upon a referral via AbilityNet contacting clients to arrange a date/time to support. Carrying out IT support to the clients. Feeding back on progress via our online system. Opportunities to support your local Coordinator with promoting the volunteer service in the local area, for example leaflet dropping or displaying some posters in your local area.

At Blackwood we provide care (in care homes), care at home services and tenancies to people with different support needs. We believe that using technology can significantly support independent living and have offered our customers a tablet which is set up with our innovative system CleverCogs©. To support the successful adoption of this programme, we need the help of volunteers to ensure our customers are comfortable using their tablets and make the most of their tech. -What will I be doing as a Digital Buddy?: Digital Buddies will combine befriending with digital literacy, so your role will include: • helping people set up their new devices • using video calls and messaging apps • accessing online learning opportunities • explaining how to stay safe online • helping to problem solve where you don’t know the answer yourself • enjoying a chat with people to find some common interests and build a rapport quickly • helping people to find online resources that match their interests • Support sessions with learners usually take place in person, once or twice a week, so 45-60 minutes is usually enough time to make progress. • Reporting on progress made and encouraging volunteers to provide feedback on sessions This is an opportunity to be more involved with others in your local community - Helping others can also improve your own health & wellbeing! It is also a chance to develop your own skills and competencies with the option to pursue a qualification in digital skills.