How AbilityNet's volunteers can help you

Alex.Barker | 28 May 2020

A picture of AbilityNet volunteer Shaun Bentley. He wears a cap and glassesIt's Volunteer's Week this week and in 2020 the opportunity to say 'thank you' to the 20 million people who volunteer each year has never seemed more important. 

During the pandemic, local communities have been pulling together and supporting the older and more vulnerable members of society. It's a mission that is at the heart of what AbilityNet does in our work empowering older and disabled people by enabling them to better use technology. 

We couldn't do it without our amazing network of over 300 volunteers who provide support to people. All our volunteers are DBS-checked, they're also passionate about the difference technology can make to people's lives. Many of them have had or continue to have a career working in IT, people like Shaun who helps others despite his own arthritis pain and Myles, a former IT Special Educational Needs teacher who is also a Co-director of the British Assistive Technology Association (BATA).

During the pandemic, we can't visit our clients at home but we're able to provide remote support and our helpline remains open.

Call our helpline on 0300 180 0028

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

The difference our volunteers make

We can't thank our volunteers enough, and we know the difference they make to our clients. Technology has played a vital role during COVID-19 in terms of keeping us connected to loved ones and reducing loneliness.

Our figures show that 69% of people who receive help from an AbilityNet volunteer feel less isolated. In addition, 80% feel better able to use technology, 78% find it easier to manage day-to-day life, 76% feel more independent and 77% are less stressed. 

You can find out more about the difference AbilityNet makes to people's lives in our Impact Report. 

We've also heard first-hand the difference our volunteers make to individuals. For example, one grateful client told us: "Both David and especially Colin went out of their way to ensure that I was connected in this isolated time. Even when the broadband provider was tardy about fixing the Wi-Fi cable, they both wrote to the company on my behalf. A truly excellent service. Thank you.”

 

Do you know someone who needs AbilityNet's help?

We'd like to take this opportunity to say "thank you" to all our amazing volunteers. We couldn't do it without you giving your time freely to help others, and we know they're happy to do it. As the X-Files Gillian Anderson said: 

"Be of service. Whether you make yourself available to a friend or co-worker, or you make time every month to do volunteer work, there is nothing that harvests more of a feeling of empowerment than being of service to someone in need."

Maybe you need our help, or know someone else who does? If so, call our helpline on 0300 180 0028. 

How AbilityNet can Help