Blackwood Homes and Care

Blackwood Homes and Care was founded in 1972 by Dr Margaret Blackwood MBE, a campaigner for the rights and independence of disabled people. We deliver our vision of helping people live their life to the full in the pioneering spirit of Dr Blackwood by providing high quality housing, care and support for disabled people of all ages, with over 1500 homes across all 29 mainland local authorities in Scotland.


Current opportunities

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.

Digital exclusion can be isolating, and we really hope we can help make a difference by assisting our Peoplehood members feel included, with the help of Digital buddies like you! Group sessions will be arranged where possible and 1:1 sessions will be organised where needed. 1 to 2 hours a week or fortnight wold be sufficient to help a digital user to become digitally proficient. You will be supported by out Peoplehood community workers and Volunteer Coordinator. All expenses will be covered and you could benefit from our Value exchange system. Our participants reside in Cardonald, Glasgow. The sessions will take place in this area. We aim to help our participants to become safely digitally aware by. •Learning how to log into and use online accounts like council portals, energy providers, insurance companies and benefit accounts. •Learning how to access lifestyle apps. •Learning how to send and receive emails. •Learning how to attach documents and images to emails. •Learning how to use social media apps. •Learning how to shop online safely. •Learning how to make a video call to family or friends. •Last but not least we need to teach our participants how to stay safe online. If you are interested please click the ‘Apply’ button below (available when logged in and registered). You will then be contacted by Blackwood Homes and Care by email or phone call. If you have not heard back after 5 working days, the first step is to contact TCV with the contact details provided, glasgow@tcv.org.uk . You could also check your junk/spam folder on your emails just in case the response is there. If that doesn’t work out then please feel free to contact Volunteer Glasgow on info@volunteerglasgow.org

Taking part in our regular health walks is a great way to keep fit, meet new people, make new friends and connect with your community. Walks normally take place between 30 and 60 minutes on low impact levels. Health walks are open to everyone of all abilities and ages. Volunteer walk leaders will get: full training, learn new skills, support your community, and even grow confidence. Volunteer training is supported by Paths for all and Walk Moray. If you would like to get involved and support a walk session, please get in touch today by emailing anitabarron@blackwoodgroup.org.uk or call Anita on 07442974320.