Congratulations on a decade of service to AbilityNet

Annie Mannion | 09 May 2024

Volunteers Week 40th anniversary logo with star in cornerIt's Volunteers' Week coming up from 3 - 9 June 2024, and we are delighted to celebrate our wonderful tech volunteers who put so much into their role supporting older and disabled people to use technology and complete online tasks.

Some of our tech volunteers have been working with us for many years With incredible dedication, and it's with great pleasure that we share Long Service Awards with our long-term volunteers.

Two of those volunteers have just reached the 10 year milestone, having provided a decade of much-valued support so far in their region, as part of our free IT Support service. Here they are pictured with their award certificates:

Pat Maskell standing outside a welcome signPat Maskell, Volunteer Coordinator and Tech Volunteer based in Cumbria

"I will be honest. Retirement was not something I looked forward to. Then I found AbilityNet and discovered not only a way of sharing some of the computer skills I had learnt, but also a reason to keep up to date with the ever developing technology.

"So many older and disabled people need help with their devices. Not training courses, just help to do what they are interested in in a Digital World.
I  discovered my raison d'etre.

"I know I can make a difference with the help of AbilityNet and the fantastic support I and all the volunteers receive from the team."

Pat was awarded the Tech4Good Volunteer of Year Award in 2021.

Colin Davies sitting at a desk holding a certificate for 10 years of serviceColin Davies, Volunteer Coordinator and Tech Volunteer based in Dorset

"Since retiring I've taken on a number of voluntary roles but my time with AbilityNet has been the most fulfilling and longest lasting. There have been so many clients whose determination to master technology and get the most out of life has been truly inspirational," Colin says.

"The need to help the digitally disadvantaged has never been greater and the knowledgeable and dedicated team members past and present here in Dorset - to whom I owe a debt of gratitude - continue to do their best. Thanks are also due to the friendly and supportive management team under Sarah Brain who make the job so much easier. Here's to the next 10 years!"

With huge thanks to both Colin and Pat for their unflailing support of their clients in their region. 

Our friendly volunteers 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.

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.

AbilityNet, in partnership with BT Group logoFree webinar: How to get help with your digital devices
Volunteers' Week 40th anniversary

Join us online on Thursday 6 June 2024 between 1pm - 2pm BST to learn how technology can provide a helping hand to disabled people and older people.

Taking place during Volunteers' Week 2024 (3 - 9 June), in this lunchtime learning session, expert speakers from AbilityNet will be joined by guests from BT Group to highlight how we can help with your tech queries and provide 121 support.



Join the webinar

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.