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.

What will I be doing? Upon a referral being made via AbilityNet: * Contacting clients to arrange date/time to support them * Carrying out IT support to clients * Feeding back on progress via our online system * Opportunities to support local Co-ordinator with promoting volunteer service in local area eg, leaflet dropping or displaying posters in local area

“A digital world accessible to all” Award winning IT charity AbilityNet is looking for IT Support volunteers to help people get the most out of technology. We support older and disabled people to use technology, from setting up a new device, to showing how to use zoom or do an internet food shop. The role would take place in your local area, face to face with clients or help over Teamviewer. You don’t need to be a tech guru to help out. If you use a computer at home or work, and perhaps support family and friends with their tech issues, you are likely to have the skills we are looking for. Relevant guidance and excellent support is provided to all volunteers. A fantastic opportunity to help and make a real difference for people. All volunteer assistance is greatly appreciated. For more information please contact Donna Baker-Smith at email community@abilitynet.org.uk or telephone 01926 956850.

Volunteering Matters is a national volunteering and social change charity. We believe that everyone in the UK should have the opportunity to thrive. We bring people together, through the power of volunteering, to resolve some of society's most complex issues. Our national project, Getting Together Matters, operates across Scotland, England and Wales. Getting Together Matters deliver virtual activities; online zoom groups and telephone only groups, to help people aged 50+ feel connected & reduce social isolation and loneliness. We have a timetable of events and activities each week and we are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help run the activities. If you can spare an hour a week, have a computer & internet, and would be prepared to be consistent, enthusiastic & above all kind and considerate - we would love to hear from you! Running the groups means logging on to the specific platform (Zoom or Telephone), at regular times, facilitating conversations and enjoying communication amongst our 50 + groups. We would give training, arrange the set ups & show you how - cover the groups with you for a while, then you would facilitate one of our weekly groups. Ideally Mondays or Fridays are good days, but we are open to what people have to offer & we can work from there. Lots of explanations available, so do reach out if you are at all interested but would like more info.