Tech support superstars: Rewarding our volunteers

This Volunteers' Week we're delighted to again highlight one of our 450+ Tech Volunteers around the country with a Room to Reward short hotel break.

The special Room to Reward treat is awarded to 'Hidden Heroes' in recognition of their tireless support of AbilityNet and its clients.

Paul Dykstra, AbilityNet Tech Volunteer (pictured right) in Wiltshire, is this Volunteers' Week winner:

"Volunteering with AbilityNet has been incredibly rewarding. Seeing the joy on someone's face when they master a new digital skill is priceless," he says.

"I love helping people gain confidence in using technology. Each session is an opportunity to make a positive impact on someone's life.

There's nothing more satisfying than helping someone overcome a tech challenge. Volunteering with AbilityNet allows me to use my skills to make a real difference."

Myles Pilling, the AbilityNet Volunteer Coordinator that supervises the team in Wiltshire says of Paul's voluntary role:

“Paul uses his skill and empathy to truly make a difference to the clients he supports. Nothing is ever too much trouble. His support at the care home where residents need help with their technology is above and beyond, really taking the time to understand the individual needs, research how he could support them, and then doing the sessions. He’s a really valued, expert member of the Wiltshire volunteer team and most definitely deserves an unexpected reward room.”

Congratulations to Paul and we hope you enjoy your well deserved mini break!

Free webinar recording: How to get help with your digital devices - with BT Group

In the webinar with AbilityNet speakers alongside BT Group, you'll discover:

- Simple ways to learn how to use your devices
- Tips for assistive technology that can help with hearing, visual, motor and cognitive impairments - including accessing and using the tools that are already present on many common digital devices
- How to get help where you live from an AbilityNet or BT Group volunteer
- Watch a short film about World Cup legend Sir Geoff Hurst and how he and AbilityNet Tech volunteers have been helping to boost digital skills of older people


Access the webinar recording

Thinking of volunteering?

Can you, like Paul, Myles, and the rest of our incredible 450+ Tech Volunteers around the UK, make a difference for the older people and disabled people in your community? We need you!

Join our volunteers today

How AbilityNet can help you

• Call AbilityNet's 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 
• Request help from an AbilityNet volunteer
• See our database of FREE factsheets
• Access FREE webinars about technology and disability