Volunteers' Week Spotlight: Georgia Dudleston

Annie Mannion | 04 Jun 2026

This Volunteers' Week (1-7 June 2026) we're celebrating all of our superb, generous IT Support at Home volunteers.

Here's a spotlight on one of our 500-strong network of volunteers across the UK - meet Georgia Dudleston, who volunteers in the Yorkshire area.

Georgina DudlestonWhat made you think about becoming a volunteer?

I'd wanted to volunteer for some time, but I hadn't found the right opportunity. AbilityNet turned out to be the perfect fit.

My career is in Quality Assurance and Product within the digital sector, so AbilityNet gives me the opportunity to use those skills in a meaningful way to help people feel more confident and capable in the online world.

Can you share an example of some of the tasks you have completed as a volunteer?

I've supported a wide range of clients with different needs to ensure the client is always up to date, including:

  • helping an elderly client choose and set up a new mobile phone
  • connecting an Alexa device for a couple with visual impairments
  • assisting with job applications using Word
  • setting up TVs
  • helping people access websites and apps
  • supporting online grocery shopping
  • registering with a GP online
  • updating software on laptops and other devices

Volunteers' Week 1-7 June 2026 logoHow long have you volunteered for us and what is the time commitment of being a volunteer per week/month?

I've been volunteering with AbilityNet for around 18 months. On average, I complete one or two home visits each month, making it a flexible role that fits well around my other commitments.

It is also a no-pressure role; support requests can be accepted or declined based on your availability, technical knowledge, and confidence in meeting the client's needs.

It is very rewarding to know that even a small amount of your time can make a meaningful difference to someone's day-to-day life.

What are the benefits and rewards of being a volunteer?

I genuinely love volunteering with AbilityNet. Not only do I get to help people in my community, but I also meet individuals whose experiences and perspectives I might never otherwise encounter. It's incredibly rewarding.

Volunteering has also given me valuable insight into how accessible - or sometimes inaccessible - the digital world can be for people who haven't grown up with technology.

Along the way, I've strengthened important soft skills such as patience, active listening, and explaining things clearly. These skills have not only helped me support clients more effectively but have also benefited me in my professional career and everyday interactions, allowing me to communicate with greater empathy, understanding, and confidence.

Volunteering has given me a deeper appreciation of the different challenges people face and has helped me become more confident in supporting individuals from all walks of life.

What is the best thing to come out of your volunteering experience with AbilityNet?

Without a doubt, it's the people I've met. While I've learned new skills and gained valuable experience, I've also built some genuinely meaningful friendships with clients.

If anyone is considering volunteering, my advice would simply be: do it. It doesn't require a huge amount of time, the opportunities are flexible, and the people you meet and help make it incredibly worthwhile.

Volunteer with AbilityNet!

Thank you to all of our amazing Tech Volunteers around the UK - you all do an incredible job!

We're always on the look out for volunteers so if you'd like to get involved as a Tech Volunteer for AbilityNet, like Georgia, please get in contact:

Find out more about volunteering
 
We look forward to hearing from you!

How AbilityNet can help

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