Volunteering Opportunity: Volunteer IT Tech with Age UK Hertfordshire

To support older people to learn basic IT skills that could transform their lives, helping to reduce isolation and allow them to access to information we often take for granted. Promote the wellbeing of all older people and to help make later life in Hertfordshire a fulfilling and enjoyable experience.

Opportunity Type: Long-term Commitment

District: Broxbourne, Dacorum, East Herts

Location: Indoor

Time of day: Weekday Mornings, Weekday Afternoons

Practical Considerations: • IT literacy and confidence with technology (to the level of being able to pass on basic knowledge to others).
• Patience and empathy with older people.
• Good communication skills, the ability to explain information in simple terms.
• Enthusiasm, and a sense of humour.
• Ability to show initiative.
• A love of gadgets and desire to share the benefits of technology with older people.
• Ability to work independently.
• A commitment to equal opportunities.
• Reliable, over 18 years of age and have a full driving licence with use of a car

Requirements: Will require a criminal record check (DBS), Own vehicle or access to a vehicle, Driving licence

Suitable for: 18 – 25 year olds, Aged 26 and over, University students

Suitable for volunteers interested in: Health and Wellbeing, IT, Technology & Digital Inclusion, Mental Health, Older People

Does this opportunity provide wheelchair access?: No

Full Description:
• Undertaking an initial induction programme prior to taking on own case work.
• Support an older person over the phone or via home visit at a time agreed with that person, within the guidelines and policies of Age UK Hertfordshire.
• One to one IT coaching for older people (up to four free sessions at 1 -1 ½ hours each) over the phone or via home visit.
• Providing support with laptops, desktop PC’s, tablets, smart phones or cameras.
• Supporting people to learn the basics of computing, from switching on their device to getting online.
• Assisting people with the specific applications they may be interested in using, such as email, social networking, Skype, online shopping, learning hobbies, catch up TV etc.
• Reporting any worries or concerns regarding the service user to your Coordinator or the Service manager.
• Keeping accurate and proper records of contacts with service users, noting information given, choices discussed and action to be taken and by whom and report these to your Coordinator.
• Undertake regular supervision meetings with the Manager or your Coordinator.
• Signpost service users to other approved agencies, charities and organisations such as Health and Community Services (Social Services), Good neighbourhood schemes, etc.
• Refer service users to other Age UK Hertfordshire services as may be appropriate.
• Respect the confidentiality of service users and their rights to make their own decisions.