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February 6, 2017
Renfrewshire Council are looking to recruit a team of volunteers to support the delivery of the recently launched Digital Strategy and help people and local organisations get online.
A tablet class in actionThe Digital Renfrewshire Strategy – sets out a vision and approach to tackling digital exclusion in the area.
It aims to ensure everybody has the opportunity to reach their digital potential so they can benefit from the health, learning, economic, social, and cultural opportunities that being online can bring.
Lauren Gilmour, Renfrewshire Council’s Digital Volunteer Co-ordinator, is appealing for people with digital skills who would like to help people across Renfrewshire reach their digital potential and help bridge the digital divide.
“Around 26,000 people in Renfrewshire lack basic digital skills. We have a Digital Strategy that aims to close the digital divide in Renfrewshire and we want to tap into the skills of local people to help support digital participation and offer people a positive volunteering experience”
Volunteers are needed for several different projects including tablet classes for older adults- hosted in partnership with Roar: Connections for Life – and take place at University of the West of Scotland every Tuesday from 3–5pm and at Underwood Lane every Thursday from 10am–12noon. If you know your way about a tablet or smartphone you could support these classes.
Help is also needed to help run CoderDojo coding clubs for young people in various locations across Renfrewshire. Volunteers don’t need an in-depth knowledge of coding – just an interest in helping young people to solve problems. Resources will be provided to get volunteers up to speed.
Lauren added: “We can match anyone with suitable digital skills with an organisation or project that need help with boosting their digital skills.
“Volunteering isn’t only a way to give back to your community– it’s a way to boost your CV, gain skills and improve your confidence. Volunteers will be supported with a dedicated contact and the opportunity to train to become a digital champion.”
Renfrewshire Council Leader, Mark Macmillan, said: “We’re committed to removing the barriers to digital participation in order to face the issue of digital exclusion head on.
“With thousands of people in Renfrewshire without basic digital skills, it is important that we give everyone the tools to get online and take advantage of the benefits this provides.
“Our Digital Strategy- combined with initiatives such as our £1m investment in free public wifi in Paisley, Johnstone and Renfrew town centres- will begin to address and improve these figures.”
If you would like to become a digital volunteer or want to find out any information about digital volunteers, please contact Lauren Gilmour on lgilmour@engagerenfrewshire.
If you live in Renfrewshire and are interested in joining one of the tablet classes please contact Roar: Connections for Life on 0141 889 7481.
