Maggie, Digital Inclusion Volunteer

Maggie has volunteered as a Digital Inclusion Volunteer since 2015

What is your role and what does it involve?
I am a 1:1 IT mentor for people wanting basic help with their gadgets i.e. it could be a client’s lap top or a mobile phone. They just book an appointment to see me at the Ann Owens Centre on Friday mornings.

It might be helping someone struggling to use their mobile phone's features, for example inputting addresses or to feel more confident in using their lap top keyboard if beginners. People also come to get help with emailing, searching the Internet, using Word or Excel spreadsheets.

My approach is to help people achieve what they want to do then write down these instructions while they practice what they have learnt.

People can come for as long as they need to. It could be weeks, but it could be months. Anyone reading this should be comforted by that!

What made you want to start volunteering?
In part I blame my husband! He helps out on Mondays with one of the cooking programmes. I drifted into it because of that.

I was a university lecturer in child development and a trainer. I love teaching and so this job, where I help others is something I really enjoy.

Are there any challenges in your volunteering role?
The biggest challenge is to keep up-to-date with the every-changing world of IT. Also it is upsetting if someone I have got to know well is suffering poor health and has to stop coming.

What are your favourite things about volunteering?
Meeting people from very different backgrounds is something I really love. You could meet a prolific artist one day or a lady who has spent much of her life in China another day. It gives me a fascinating window into other peoples’ lives that I would not otherwise get to see.

I also love the welcome and inclusiveness volunteers encounter when working alongside the paid staff - and the craic!

What other benefits are there?
As well as feeling valued in this role I am learning too as there is often someone around to help if someone comes with a problem I can't solve.