Help others to get online

Become a Digital Champion

• Would you like to improve your IT skills and knowledge?
• Do you want to be part of a network of volunteers providing IT help to people across Bolton?
• Are you able to help us reduce digital exclusion, prevent isolation and improve mental health?

If so, the Digital Champion programme is a great way to make that happen!

We are recruiting volunteers from all across Bolton to support members of their community, family and colleagues to show them the benefits to being online including convenience, financial savings, connecting with others and much more.

Digital Champions are volunteers or employees within the community who have some basic understanding of digital devices, computer applications and being online. They also have the willingness to pass their skills and knowledge on to other people and highlight the many benefits of digital literacy.

Digital Champions will receive training and ongoing support to improve their own digital expertise and advice on how to deliver their newly developed skills to others. As part of their training Digital Champions will have support from staff, access to training, printable help guides and peer support from the network of champions. Champions will also have access to the Digital Unite platform for training and resources.

This brilliant new opportunity is completely free! Get in touch to hear more about the Digital Champions Network and how you could be a part of it.

The Digital Champions Network is being developed by Starts With You in conjunction with Bolton at Home, Bolton Council and the GMCA.

Email hello@startswithyou.org.uk for more information.

Volunteer with Bolton Library and Museum Services 

There are several volunteering opportunities at Bolton Library and Museum Services. Our Computer Mentor role is a great opportunity to help others to get online and support them to learn the basics. 

What will you do?

Assist learners in aquiring ICT skills and the confidence needed to use computers, the internet and various digital devices.

What’s in it for you?

• Become part of a friendly and dedicated team

• Gain valuable experience and improve career prospects

• Gain new skills to help build your CV

• Meet people from all walks of life and make new friends

• Build confidence and face new challenges

• Possibilities to develop further skills with optional accreditation

What’s involved?

The tasks of the role will depend upon which session is being delivered and the needs and requirements of the learner. Sessions could include helping learners with basic internet and computer skills through to more specific hardware, software and online applications, for example coding, help with tablets and smartphone apps.

To find out more take a look at the Volunteer Opportunities leaflet or email blamsvolunteering@bolton.gov.uk

Helping others over the phone

While lockdown restriction are being eased, we recognise that there are still a number of people who struggle to access learning opportunities outside of their homes. If you have the opportunity to help somone to learn something new or solve a problem there are a couple of useful guides to help you.

Citizen Online put together a guide to helping people stay in touch during lockdown. 

Digital Unite have a useful guide to helping people to use digital technology remotely