Digital Buddies will work one-to-one with older people taking part in our creative and interactive online sessions, to help them navigate the technology to access the groups. These roles will make a huge difference to our participants - who may well not be used to using their devices and the internet in quite this way - having someone on the end of the phone to walk them through the process of getting set up.
Digital Buddies will be paired with a number of older people and be in contact with them to support and help them in using the technology that they already have to access a series of online, group classes. Contact will be over the phone (unless circumstances require/make possible otherwise) and include an introductory call, a test run of video calling, and then follow-up calls for the sessions themselves - week by week until the older person is able to access the sessions independently, without additional help.
Ability to use computers and knowledge of social media, programmes and apps.
Have worked / understand the needs of a diverse community.
Confident to pass on digital skills in a friendly and supportive manner.
Be an excellent listener, empathetic, caring, patient, reliable and respectful of confidential information / data.
Must be over the age of 18 years.
Have a positive attitude and remains calm in challenging situations.
Good verbal and written communication skills.
A commitment to equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practices.
Be approachable, mindful, non-judgmental, a good sense of humour and the ability to engage with the older generation.
Passionate about health and social care, the arts and culture.
Weekly; remotely.
Digital Buddy volunteers will be given an induction session that includes briefing on the organisation, the service we offer, the scope and remit of their role, and the work process. Volunteers will be provided with a troubleshooting guide to help them in working with our older people and will be supported to access training in safeguarding vulnerable adults and principles of dementia care.
Expenses will be reimbursed.
In addition to the training and support opportunities outlined above, volunteers who are not currently in employment, education or training, will be supported to access this within the context of an individual learning plan which helps them to identify goals and targets that will aid their development and employability.
More information about our organisation, the online sessions we are offering, and this volunteering opportunity can be found at our website: unforgettableexperiences.org.uk
