Dedicated volunteers helping ensure digital training continues for customers

Get Online Newcastle, based at the City Library, runs a number of courses for customers and residents, including online basics, how to use a smart phone or tablet, and an introduction to Word and PowerPoint.

A total of 940 learners were supported during 2022 across 235 sessions with 730 volunteering hours.

The team, led by Lisa Dawson, is invaluably supported by eight volunteers who have been praised for their work.

Not only do the volunteers support others, but they are able to build up their own skills to improve their chances of full-time jobs elsewhere or even within the team itself with two being awarded 15-month contracts in 2022.

Their hard, and vital, work was recognised nationally in 2022 after being ‘Highly Commended’ in the UK Housing Awards.

Before Christmas, the team came together for a special celebration and look ahead to another busy 2023, which includes more courses and more opportunities for volunteers.

Stuart Clarke, Senior Manager Employability, said they are a massive part of the team and the work could not happen without them.

He said: “All of the work that has come in emphasises how much of this kind of work is needed.

“It shines a light on the difficulties lots of people went through, especially those who have vulnerabilities. The work that is needed in these areas has never been more, hence the work we have planned for the next couple of years.

“We think there is a significant amount of people out there who can benefit from this support.

“We can’t do this without the support of the volunteers. I speak on behalf of YHN when I say that it is invaluable and your expert time to help people who have these barriers.

“It’s a challenging time, there is lots to do, but it’s also an exciting time.

“Things we have learned going forward is what we have done, which is exciting but also supporting these new areas which is important.”

Alan joined the Get Online Newcastle scheme through the volunteer route. He started on a Your Homes Your Jobs admin course where he took part in a traineeship digital inclusion with Lisa.

Alan, who has worked as a volunteer for five years and is now a full time paid worker, said: “During Covid I worked at the contact centre with a view to going back to digital inclusion and the opportunity came up.

“I’ve come through the ranks. I still have an appreciation that it wouldn’t work without the great work of the volunteers.

“I still have that at the back of my mind, I’m here because of the work people have done before me. It couldn’t work without the volunteers.

“Everyone who does this understands the need for the work and volunteering.

“The process of applying for benefits or doing anything online is a complicated process even for us with digital skills so for those without it, there isn’t a proper option for them to gain these skills.

“It’s always been important (to have these skills) and even more in the future the way the benefits system is changing.

“It’s massively important now that people have even low level digital skills. Even on the news, they say more on our website but not everyone knows how to get there.

“I enjoy the work and the people I work with. It’s an essential service giving people digital skills.

“I’d absolutely recommend people consider volunteering. You are listened to, your opinions are listened to because you have been through a process no one else has been through. It gives you a sense of purpose, it’s worth it for doing something worthwhile.

“A lot of people who have come through as volunteers have gone on to paid employment, the turnaround can be pretty quick.”

Fellow volunteer Stephen used to be a volunteer with North Tyneside Council and Meadowell Connected in North Shields before joining Get Online Newcastle.

After leaving school with very few qualifications, he set out to gain qualifications and earned a degree before going on to secure teaching qualifications as he wanted to give something back to help people.

Stephen, who helps with the online basics course, said: “I wanted to give back from what people have done for me. I like to give back.”

John, who used to volunteer at Age Concern, said: “I used to be a programme manager for Inland Revenue learning so thought now I’m retired I wanted to do something with that knowledge.”

For more about Get Online Newcastle visit Get Online Newcastle | Newcastle City Council