Real Stories - Volunteer John

John took early retirement due to an injury he had at work. To pass the time, he decided to become a volunteer with Age Cymru Dyfed to help people with their digital needs.

He has been with Age Cymru Dyfed for several years now and has supported a number of people with their smartphones, tablets, laptops and smart speakers and has been a voice for them to feed back on issues they might be struggling with. John said;

‘This role gives me great satisfaction when you realise you have made a difference to someone’s life. You meet so many different people, with many different stories. Seeing someone communicate with a relative abroad or helping them attach a document they’ve never done before, really makes you feel you have helped them.”

John’s biggest success has been in supporting Mrs M, who is now in her 90s and visually impaired. John has supported Mrs M with voice recognition on her tablet, introduced her to audio books and talking newspapers, purchasing and setting up Amazon Alexa, her smart TV voice function and in contacting family.

John also supported her with other non digital things, such as referring her in for a benefits check, where she found out was entitled to Attendance Allowance, finding a reputable gardener in her area and making sure her call alarms were in working order.

“John has been marvellous with me. All Age Cymru Dyfed staff are so thoughtful. During the pandemic John kept in regular contact to ensure I was ok, and not cut off from the world. During Christmas time he brought me a Christmas hamper the staff had put together, I was ever so pleased”.

John said “I feel that I have made a friend in Margaret and she always makes me laugh.”