Celebrating 20 years of volunteer dedication
Annie Mannion | 14 Oct 2024Les Fearns, one of our team of 450+ AbilityNet Tech Volunteers, is this month celebrating 20 amazing years with us volunteering his time to help others.
We're thrilled to present Les, pictured, with a Long Service Award for his wisdom, energy and support as an AbilityNet Tech Volunteer for two decades!
Based in Norfolk, Les has helped hundreds of older or disabled people in his area to use technology and complete online tasks with incredible dedication, as part of the volunteer network within our free IT Support service.
Thinking back on his time so far with AbilityNet, Les noted: "The problems we are asked to work on with clients may have changed over the last twenty years, but it is really valuable to be able to still provide the same at-home service when required."
Need help with your digital device?
Our volunteers are able to help with most computer systems, laptops, tablets, smartphones and other smart devices such as Smart TVs, Alexa speakers and Google Home devices.
All are DBS checked and can assist you by phone, over the internet or at home. They offer one to one support tailored to you, at your pace.
In addition to our network of volunteers, as part of AbilityNet's partnership with BT Group, we're providing group and individual digital skills support to older people and disabled adults in locations across the UK including London, Birmingham, Glasgow, Edinburgh, the East Coast of Scotland, Newcastle, Cardiff and surrounding areas. Find out more about getting digital skills support.
Discover 5 key apps, tools and online sites that older people tell us make their lives easier, including Ask-Silver.com and BBC Sounds.
On the webinar recording we highlighted some tech advice from renowned broadcaster and newsreader, Moira Stuart CBE, who has been helping us to raise awareness of online scams.
Why volunteer with AbilityNet?
Could you dedicate any time to helping older or disabled people in your community?
We're always keen to welcome new tech volunteers so if you're reading this and would like to get involved, please get in contact.
Some recent comments from our volunteers about what they enjoy about their roles:
- "So rewarding, doing what I love and seeing people benefit, sometimes life changing, sometimes just making a client's life a bit easier, a bit more fun, a bit less isolated."
- "I've done things out of my comfort zone. I get the support I need and reap the benefits of increasing my skills and confidence."
- "Welcoming, supportive environment. Excellent training. Totally rewarding!"
Become an AbilityNet volunteer
How AbilityNet can help
AbilityNet provides a range of free services to help disabled people and older people.
- Call our helpline: 0300 180 0028
- We have a range of factsheets that talk in detail about technology that might help you, which you can download for free. You may find our factsheets about voice recognition and keyboard alternatives useful.
- My Computer My Way. A free interactive guide to all the accessibility features built into current desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
- Meet AbilityNet volunteers from across the UK