Volunteer

Why volunteer as a Tech Mate?

For many, the digital world feels unfamiliar and even a little scary. Concerns about scams, privacy and misinformation can lead to hesitation or complete avoidance.  When confidence is low, people often rely on others, like family members, to complete basic tasks on their behalf like booking appointment, ordering a blue badge, or paying bills. This reliance reduces independence and deepens exclusion.  In Sunderland 1 in 4 residents are experiencing or are digitally excluded. If you want to help change this by making getting online feel helping people with digital confidence, maybe consider joining us. 

We are looking for volunteers to act as Tech Mates to assist the public who have little or no experience of using a keyboard device with necessary IT skills in:

- Digital Health Hubs 

- Culture House

- Houghton and Washington Libraries

-  City Hall 

Express an Interest

As a Tech Mate you will be invited to join the Go Online Digital Inclusion Network, and receive regular e-newsletters to keep you up to speed with information.  As well as, offered an invitation to attend appropriate training.  To express your interest in volunteering please complete the best form for you:

1.  Volunteer at a Digital Health Hub

2.  Volunteer at City Hall, Culture House or a Library

Once received we'll happily contact you for a conversation about the role, and complete necessary paperwork including a DBS Check.  

Aims of a Tech Mate

You don't need to be a digital expert to be a Tech Mate.  A Tech Mate is someone who supports family, colleagues or people in their community gain vital digital confidence and skills to make the most of going online. It is more about people skills than being about digital skills, and as a Tech Mate volunteer you will be contributing towards the city's pledge to ensure no one and nowhere is left behind in this digital world.

• A basic understanding of how to use a keyboard, mouse and search the internet.
• Friendly and approachable manner.
• Eagerness to help others improve digitals skills. 
• Be a good listener and patient.
• Able to explain things in simple terms.  

Expectations

• Be the 'Go to Person' for people to get help and support to build digital confidence.
• Show people basic digital skills to safely navigate around the worldwide web.
• Help build confidence and trust in technology.
• Be willing to provide one to one help, OR lead on small group sessions showing people the internet.
• Signpost people onto other pathways of support.
• Minimum of two hours per week

Common Requests for Support

• Help to reset a password
• How to use a keyboard device for the first time
• Navigate around the internet safely and how to use a web browser e.g. Bing or Google
• Searching for cheaper deals, for example, gas, holidays, furniture
• Setting up an email account
• Looking for job opportunities

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