Digital Champions
We live in a digital world, and for some of us, that can be confusing, but that’s where our Digital Champions come in.
One of our skills is just sitting, listening, drawing out from people what they’re trying to do and the problems they’re having. I’m a volunteer Digital Champion here in Dorset, one of a team of 40. We operate right across the county, running free sessions with people that want to know more about the internet, want to get more out of things. Helping with setting up an email or doing a video call to a family member, all the way through to online shopping and so on.
He was able to help me with iCloud and settings and so on, but what he did really was just make me not afraid of it.
I am a library assistant at Dorchester Library. As part of that role, I also answer calls on the Dorset Digital Hotline. The Digital Hotline has helped nearly 2,000 people since it was launched. We’re here between 10 and 12 noon every day to help with any digital problem that you might be having. If you don’t have a device, we may be able to help with that.
They gave me a free mobile phone. I have lots of deaf friends who live far away. I use WhatsApp to talk face-to-face with my friends. I have more time. It’s fantastic.
We’re also training 1,000 staff and volunteers who work in organisations across Dorset as Embedded Digital Champions. It’s really to help people develop their own digital skills and then give them a greater awareness of the problems faced by people getting online, by members of the community.
Definitely come and see them. Definitely make an appointment because you will not be disappointed. This is a digital world now and you know, get stuck in there.
If you need help with digital technology, visit our libraries, book an appointment with a Digital Champion or contact our Digital Hotline.