Digi-Buddies Scheme

Role Description and Competencies

Post: Digi-BuddyPeer Mentor

Report to: Project Coordinator

Location:Various venues in Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham

Grade:Unpaid volunteer role

Date:January 2014 (updated August 2014)

Digi-buddies pilot scheme

It is now widely accepted that access to the internet has many benefits. Internet access helps increase knowledge and information & supports people who experience isolation to feel socially included and improve their mental health.

It is recognised that people are most motivated to use digital technology when they understand its relevance to their own situation e.g. keeping in touch with friends, family, saving money when buying goods or making payments online.

Digi-buddies is a new initiative to ensure than no one is excluded from using digital technology, whether due to a lack of experience or lack of access to relevant IT.

Role Purpose

To support learners to increase their digital skills and confidence and enable them to enjoy the wider benefits of internet use, namely:access to work and training opportunities, social networks, cheap online deals and access to lots of other information.

Person Specification:

The Digi-buddy will have or want to develop:

  • Good verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to listen
  • Ability to build trusting relationships with service users
  • A problem-solving attitude
  • Motivation to support disadvantaged or vulnerable people
  • Awareness and understanding of the need for boundaries and confidentiality
  • An understanding of equal opportunities
  • An awareness of health & safety issues in the workplace

Role Description:

  • Supporting learners with their digital needs in group settings
  • Provide digital & IT support to enable learners to access online resources
  • Provideadvice and support towards achieving targets and goals agreed with the learner
  • Regular communication with learner, staff and external organisations
  • Completing monitoring forms detailing support provided after sessions

Availability:

  • We would like you to be able to give us a commitment of a minimum of 3months
  • We would like you to be able to be available for a minimum of 1 day a fortnight.

What we offer:

  • Work experience
  • Initial induction delivered by Thames Reach
  • Ongoing learning and access to related training courses
  • Social activities with other Digi-buddies
  • References if you start work
  • Opportunity to learn new skills
  • Opportunities to make new friends

How to apply if you’re interested:

Please download an application form from our website:

If you return the completed form to the email address provided a Thames Reach staff member will be in touch with you soon.

If you would like any further information:

Please contact ER Helpdesk on 0203 691 5111