Refer a friend for free tech help

London-based friends Iva Malaggia and Rosaleen Allen have both found support from AbilityNet tech volunteers during the current Covid-19 crisis. 

A picture of Iva, 85, she wears a sun hat and a bright shirtIva, 85, from Muswell Hill, sought support after she upgraded her laptop from a Windows 7 to a Windows 10 based machine. “Everything seemed to be different,” said Iva. “You can’t get someone in to help you out [because of Covid] and I needed a bit of guidance,” she added. 

Searching online, Iva found AbilityNet and how our network of volunteers can provide free technology support. We put her in touch with Pat Maskell, who is county coordinator for Cumbria North.


Pat supported Iva by phone and helped her to set up her scanner, and to print documents.

“It has made a big difference to me because now I am using the computer much more easily [and] I feel much more confident,” said Iva. 

Referring to a friend for help

A picture of Rosaleen who has cropped, grey hairLater, Iva referred her friend, Rosaleen Allen, 76, to AbilityNet. Rosaleen, also from Muswell Hill, was looking for support in choosing a new laptop. 

“My old laptop got to the point where the battery wasn’t working before lockdown. When it finally died. I knew Iva had had support with her laptop; she’d spoken to this wonderful lady called Pat. I detected such a difference in Iva’s confidence. I tucked it away for future reference,” said Rosaleen. 

A recommendation from her friend was one Rosaleen trusted.

“Iva is one of the most intelligent wise people I know, and I really am lucky to have her in my life. I was so impressed with the change with how she spoke about things. She was very enthusiastic. "I thought I need some of that,” she told us. 

Pat helped Rosaleen choose a new laptop to suit her needs.


“My needs are pretty simple. My main needs are email, some document correspondence. I just like to be able to churn out a letter that people can read [and] shopping online,” Rosaleen said. 

If you know someone we can help, direct them to the form on our website.

How AbilityNet can help

  • Call our free 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 0800 048 7642.
  • 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.

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