Local charity needs web wizards to help disadvantaged people
Volunteers in B&NES who know their way round the internet or can accompany socially excluded people when they go to meetings are needed by a local charity.
Developing Health and Independence is looking for people who can spare a few hours a week to work at centres in Bath, Midsomer Norton, Keynsham or Chew Magna.
The four centres help people with problems such as loneliness or lack of confidence, or those with health or job worries, or housing or debt issues.
People can drop in to the centres without an appointment and volunteers will search online databases to find local groups, clubs and activities that they can take part in, and tell them which local services are available. The service is free and confidential.
DHI needs volunteers who know how to track down information on the web and it will give training where necessary.
In Bath the service is already running from The Information Takeaway, at 31 Monmouth Street, between 9:30am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday. The other centres are based at The Mill, Chew Magna; The Cottage, in the High Street, Midsomer Norton; and the Somer Housing Office in Keynsham.
As well as volunteers for the centres, DHI needs people who can accompany its clients to important meetings, because people who are socially excluded often lack the confidence to attend these. Volunteers will have their travelling expenses paid.
Those interested in volunteering should contact Alexandria Rozelaar at DHI’s Bristol office on 0117 967 5254 or email her at: alexandriarozelaar@dhisouthglos.org.uk
“If local information is more accessible to vulnerable people they are more likely to feel empowered to help themselves,” said Ms Rozelaar. “And if someone is able to accompany clients to meetings this gives them much more confidence to start the journey back into society.
“Volunteering isn’t just good for society, it’s good for the soul too. Helping people to get the best out of the web and to go to meetings is very gratifying because volunteers can see that it makes an instant difference to people’s lives.
“The service is already helping many people get the information they need to sort out their employment or health worries, or to join clubs and societies. If we could find more people to join our team, it will enable us to offer an even broader service.”
One volunteer, Patricia Thompson, said of her experience: “I love it - volunteering at DHI is worthwhile and enjoyable. It’s busy, hectic even, at times and the time flies by. It’s nice to be able to give something back and DHI does such good work. I feel part of the team, valued and appreciated. I would urge anyone to give volunteering a go - its well worth it."
For more information contact
Tony Trueman, DHI Fundraiser
07792 062 154
tonytrueman@dhibath.org.uk
