Since volunteering to become a Digital Champion at Meldreth Community Hub in August, Jak has been increasing the number of people he helps each month. The topics have included installing antivirus software, dealing with confusing pop-up messages, Facebook, Whatsapp, gaming, creating mailing lists and advice on Windows 10 end of support.

Whilst the hub hosts lunches and a variety of different activities, Jak is always there for people to approach him with their questions to do with computers or other devices. In fact, the range of devices has been wide: from an Alexa to a Chromebook and a Nintendo Switch!

With a whole host of training modules available to him on the Digital Champions Network by Digital Unite, he has been able to learn new skills or find the resources he needs. All courses are formally CPD certified which could be of benefit to his own personal development.

Jak told us:

“Being a Digital Champion at my local hub has been an enriching experience so far! I feel like I’m making a difference with the people who come to me for assistance and advice in technology. They seem very grateful for the aid I can provide. It can even be a learning experience for me, as having to help with digital issues I’m unfamiliar with has taught me new things about tech, both familiar and unfamiliar! I really appreciate being able to contribute to my community through this programme.”

With the use of a laptop provided by our partnership with Connecting Cambridgeshire, he has joined several other Digital Champions we are supporting. Our Community Wellbeing Administrator, Kate, provides them with a regular newsletter to signpost them to useful resources and training and during the recent Get Online Week, she shared a leaflet about Learn My Way to promote some free online learning that people can do on their own or with help from Digital Champions.

Our own Cambridgeshire ACRE website has an updated section on Digital Skills and Inclusion which includes information about getting a free SIM card from the National Databank, factsheets on internet affordability and safety and links for learning digital skills.

We are very grateful to the volunteers who make it possible to provide hands-on support in community hubs. For more information see our Digital skills and inclusion webpage.