Digital inclusion befriender volunteer
Key information
- Location: Carers’ homes and/or community venues (e.g. cafes, libraries, community centres)
- Hours: 1 hour per week or every two weeks plus travel; this may vary dependent on the availability of the volunteer and carer; up to 12 befriending sessions
Help fix the digital divide
If you’re confident using your smartphone, tablet or laptop and enjoy supporting others, giving 2-4 hours per month to a carer helps them build confidence with their own device. You’ll be helping them connect with people, find information online and make their caring role a little easier.
What you’ll do
1:1 digital support based on the carer’s digital needs and interests which could include:
- Setting up devices
- Supporting carers to learn the basics of a device e.g. smartphone, tablet, laptop
- Supporting carers to use apps and websites e.g. games, Google, NHS app, online shopping
- Support carers to keep in touch with friends, family and support groups e.g. Zoom, WhatsApp, email
- Linking carers to digital support in their local community
- Noting the progress of support
What is digital inclusion?
“Digital inclusion is being able to access the internet and engage online – safely and confidently – when you need and want to.” Good things Foundation, 2024
Why it matters
Reduce isolation: Keeping in touch with friends, families and support groups when it is difficult to leave the house provides emotional support and helps people to connect with their community.
Save time and money: Shopping, banking and paying bills online is often quicker, cheaper and more convenient than traveling or waiting on the phone.
Boost confidence: Learning digital skills helps people to feel more independent and capable.
Improve health: Accessing information about health online, ordering prescriptions and booking appointments makes it easier to manage health conditions and get advice.
Have fun: Watching films, playing games or listening to music brings joy, relaxation and creativity.
You’ll bring
Friendly energy; good listening; confidence to show someone how to use their device; respect for confidentiality and clear boundaries
What you’ll get
Training and a named supervisor, travel expenses paid, social events, a supportive team, skill-building—and the option of a reference.
Where and when
Carers’ homes and/or community venues (e.g. cafes, libraries, community centres)
1 hour per week or every two weeks plus travel; this may vary dependent on the availability of the volunteer and carer; up to 12 befriending sessions.
Ready to help fix the digital divide?
For an informal chat about the role contact Alice Holland (she/they), Digital inclusion worker, at alice.holland@carersleeds.org.uk or 07311 316638.
About Carers Leeds
Established in 1996, Carers Leeds is a charity that provides information, advice and support to unpaid adult and parent carers across our city. This includes our Advice Line, carers support groups, one to one support and support in hospitals. Some of our services are universal – open to all carers – and some are targeted at specific groups of carers. Our services are provided to all communities throughout Leeds. We work in partnership with others to deliver our service and to influence them to act to benefit unpaid carers. This involves those working in health and social care and employers. We use what unpaid carers tell us about their experiences and what matters to them, to help create change at a local and national level.
About Volunteering at Carers Leeds
Thank you for contacting us about volunteering at Carers Leeds.Carers Leeds celebrates diversity and is an Equal Opportunities organisation. We welcome applications from all sections of the community — particularly individuals from Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) backgrounds, LGBTQ+ communities, and people with disabilities.Before completing your Volunteer Application Form, please read through our Volunteering FAQs below. You can also learn more about our Volunteering Selection Process.If you require the application in a different format, please get in touch:
- Carers Leeds Admin Team: 0113 246 8338
- Email: volunteering@carersleeds.org.uk
Can I volunteer if I am a carer?
Yes of course! We welcome your knowledge and experience. We would try to find a volunteer role that fits around your caring responsibilities.
Can I volunteer if my caring role has come to an end?
Yes. Carers interested in volunteering for Carers Leeds will be expected to wait a minimum of 12 months following a significant bereavement, before being considered as a volunteer.
Will I be out of pocket?
No, travel expenses involved in volunteering will be reimbursed. For example, using your car to travel to your volunteering is currently reimbursed at 40p per mile.
Will I need to have a DBS check?
This depends on the volunteer role you are applying for. There are some roles which do require a DBS check and some which do not. If you do require a DBS check, this is provided by Carers Leeds.
Will I receive training for my volunteer role?
Yes, all volunteers have an induction to Carers Leeds and then specific training related to their role for example listening skills or how to support a carer.
Can I volunteer with Carers Leeds if I am claiming Job Seekers Allowance or Employment Support Allowance?
Yes, if you are receiving certain benefits, you are still allowed to volunteer. However, there are some rules that you need to be aware of to make sure that your volunteering doesn’t have an impact on the benefits you receive and you must notify your benefits adviser that you want to become a volunteer.
What if I need to take a break from volunteering?
If your circumstances change, don’t feel you have to leave. Talk to your supervisor about your needs and we might be able to arrange for you to have a break from volunteering for a while. And we will be happy to welcome you back when you’re ready.
What happens if I am not happy in my volunteer role?
If you are not happy in your volunteer role talk to your supervisor about how you are feeling. Your supervisor will explore how we can support you and/or what options are available if you are not happy.
What if I decide that volunteering at Carers Leeds isn’t for me?
All volunteers will be asked to complete a three-month trial period. At the end of this time, you can decide not to continue with the arrangement for whatever reason.