Helping you through the pandemic

AbilityNet’s 300-strong volunteer team has been stepping up during the pandemic offering remote and telephone support to help older and disabled people use technology.

During, Volunteer’s Week 2020 we ran a series of Lunch and Learn sessions together with the RNIB and Amazon as a thank you. We also asked how they’ve been helping our clients, and 95 AbilityNet and RNIB volunteers replied to a short survey giving useful insights. 

The difference technology can make

We know what we do isn’t just about the technology and our volunteers confirm this; 96% of those who responded agree that “Technology is more essential than ever during the lockdown,” with 96% agreeing that technology “has been able to keep people connected during lockdown.” 

Volunteers agree that technology is especially important to older and disabled people. 

The figures concur with our ongoing impact report, from which we know that following an intervention from one of our volunteers 69% report feeling less isolated.

Lockdown has prompted people to try new things, as well with 80% of survey respondents saying: “Clients have been trying to do new things during lockdown they haven’t tried before.” Again, this echoes our impact survey, which shows that 67% of clients have “greater participation in new activities”, with our help.

Providing support remotely

Supporting clients remotely has been a learning curve for our volunteers but it’s a challenge they have and continue to embrace with 69% saying they feel confident doing so. 

Please note: calls to our helpline number cost no more than a national rate call to an 01 or 02 number and count towards any inclusive minutes in the same way as 01 and 02 calls, and AbilityNet does not receive any money from these calls

AbilityNet has also launched AbilityNet LIVE! a series of live events designed to help people use technology. We’ve covered a number of topics including staying connected, how to find local support online and working with neurodiversity.

All the recordings and details of upcoming events are available online. 

If you can afford it, please donate to help us support older and disabled people through technology

How AbilityNet can help

AbilityNet provides a range of free services to help disabled people and older people.

• Call our helpline. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff will discuss any kind of computer problem and do their best to come up with a solution. We’re open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm on 0300 180 0028.
• Remote support We have a network of AbilityNet ITCanHelp volunteers who can help if you have technical issues with your computer systems.
• We have a range of factsheets.
• My Computer My Way. A free interactive guide to all the accessibility features built into current desktops, laptops, tablets and smartphones.