Charity project looks for volunteers to help people get online

A new charity partnership project is looking for volunteers across Devon to help people at risk of isolation and loneliness benefit from digital technology. 

During the Covid-19 pandemic, many people relied on digital technology to help with everyday things like getting food, accessing healthcare and keeping in touch with family and friends. However, for those unable to use or access digital, these lifelines were cut off. 

While measures like lockdowns may be at an end, the pandemic exposed the scale of digital exclusion with 10-million people across the UK still lacking basic digital skills. 

A partnership of organisations from across Devon, including Devon Communities Together, Wellmoor, Teignbridge CVS and NetFriends have come together to train up digital befriending volunteers to tackle digital exclusion.

Ruth Donaldson, a digital inclusion worker at Teignbridge CVS, said: ‘A survey commissioned by the Torbay and South Devon NHS Trust found that people most at risk from digital exclusion are older people, people in poverty and disabled people – those who already face additional barriers to accessing everyday services.

‘Volunteer befriending is a relaxed and community-focused way to help people gain the digital skills they need to enhance their lives. Volunteers don’t need technical skills or expert digital know how and can make a huge difference by giving just a few hours a week.’ 

Volunteers will be offered flexible training and have a team of tech experts on hand to help them, provided by local group NetFriends. 

The project is running until March so volunteers are encouraged to get in touch as soon as possible. Email Ruth Donaldson at ruth@teigncvs.org.uk or phone 07930 155954 to find out more.