Meet Brenda and Julie. Brenda is a Verwood resident who recently decided to learn some new digital skills. Julie is one of our volunteer digital champions, operating out of Verwood library, and has been helping Brenda.
So what made Brenda book a digital champion session? She explained: “I’ve been retired 14 years. Obviously, technology has gone right over my head, and I thought it was about time that I started to bring myself into the real world. The way I’m going to do this is to learn.”
Brenda made an appointment to meet Julie at Verwood Library, and was immediately made to feel at ease. “This lady is amazing,” Brenda declared. “She’s comfortable to be around and so understanding. Julie puts her knowledge over in a way that I can actually understand, and never rushes me. She’s brilliant!
“This is my second session and I’m already feeling very enthusiastic about learning about digital. I couldn’t get enough knowledge in me, so I wanted more. It’s so worth doing. I’d say to anyone in my age group, it doesn’t matter how old you are, if you want to stay in the real world, get out there and learn new things.
“I’ve booked another session, but after that, I want more!”
We asked Julie about her experience as a volunteer digital champion.
How did you get into being a volunteer digital champion?
I’ve been doing this for about four years. I semi-retired at the end of 2017 and at the same time I saw the adverts to become a champion. There was not anyone here operating in Verwood so I decided to put myself forward. I started in February 2018 and since then there have been very few days where I haven’t had at least one session. A lot of the time, I am fully booked.
The pandemic made it difficult and for a while, we couldn’t do anything at all. I remember before the pandemic suggesting to clients that they may want to learn more about accessing their GP surgeries online, getting repeat prescriptions, ordering groceries etc., that kind of thing. People would answer that they preferred to go in person – and I always responded that there might come a time when you will not be able to. Obviously, I didn’t know the pandemic was coming and that would shut everything down the way it did.
Have you got any favourite moments?
Before the pandemic, one of my clients who was 91, was about to go in for hip surgery and knew she’d be limited on being able to get out and about. So she came to me because she wanted to learn how to order everything online. I helped her understand what tech would help her most.
I have learners that are complete beginners who have never touched a keyboard. Some of my clients have a new smartphone and want to learn how to do more with their phones, while others don’t realise how much more they can do with a smartphone or tablet than just send and receive emails and search the internet.
What do you enjoy about being a volunteer digital champion?
I love the satisfaction of seeing people learn. So many people I see have lost a partner who used to do everything for them. It’s so good to see them become more independent and confident, seeing them be able to do things they never thought they’d be able to. Also, learning these new skills helps some people more generally with their health and wellbeing. It’s also expanded my network and opened up many more opportunities for me.
What would you say to someone considering becoming a volunteer digital champion?
I would say it’s tremendously rewarding, you do need to have patience, but the thing is the learner really appreciates patience. You must be willing to go at the learner’s pace and understand their needs. Take time to listen to their goals. It is well worth it!
If you want to be like Brenda and learn new digital skills call the Digital Hotline on 01305 224108 (Mon-Fri, 10am to noon) to find out where your nearest digital champion session is held.
Of if you want to be like Julie and help other people get online, we’re looking for new volunteers who can help in Charmouth, Burton Bradstock, Corfe Castle, Stallbridge, Wool and Weymouth Job Centre, Bridport, Lyme Regis and Ferndown. If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, we’d love to hear from you at digitalchampions@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.
