Help others to get online
Help others to get online
Volunteer with Bolton Library and Museum Services
There are several volunteering opportunities at Bolton Library and Museum Services. Our Digital Helper role is a great opportunity to help others to get online and support them to learn the basics.
What will you do?
Assist learners in aquiring ICT skills and the confidence needed to use computers, the internet and various digital devices. Support with our Tea and T'internet drop in sessions and digital events.
What’s in it for you?
• Become part of a friendly and dedicated team
• Gain valuable experience and improve career prospects
• Gain new skills to help build your CV
• Meet people from all walks of life and make new friends
• Build confidence and face new challenges
• Possibilities to develop further skills with optional accreditation
What’s involved?
The tasks of the role will depend upon which session is being delivered and the needs and requirements of the learner. Sessions could include helping learners with basic internet and computer skills through to more specific hardware, software and online applications, for example coding, help with tablets and smartphone apps. Please note, we will not be taking on any more volunteers for the Digital Helper role until September 2024.
To find out more, take a look at the Volunteer Opportunities leaflet or email blamsvolunteering@bolton.gov.uk
Resources to use with digital learners
There are many free online resources and learning materials to support you when helping others with basic digital skills.
Learn My Way
Learn My Way offers free online courses for beginners, helping you develop digital skills to make the most of the online world. You’ll have access to over 30 free courses designed to help you get to grips with the online basics, this includes:
Using a mouse and keyboard
Setting up an email account
Searching and exploring the internet
Communicating with friends and family online
Workplace tools for online meetings, apps for managing projects and tips on remote working.
Visit Learn My Way to start your digital learning
iDEA
iDEA is Inspiring Digital Enterprise Award, an accredited national programme to develop your digital and enterprise skills, while enhancing your CV.
iDEA is for everyone. Adults, young people and schools can access the programme for free, and you can learn on your own, in a group, classroom or together as a family - from your phone, tablet or computer.
How does it work?
iDEA is the digital and enterprise version of The Duke of Edinburgh Award. For every new skill mastered, iDEA learners are awarded a digital badge. Each badge carries points and when you earn enough points, you are awarded the Bronze or Silver Award.
Badges cover a wide range of topics that include:
- Worker Badges - Tools and techniques, which are useful in the workplace
- Maker badges - Digital creativity and building and making in the digital world
- Entrepreneur Badges - How to think of new ideas and bring them to life
- Gamer Badges - Gamification techniques to help people learn how to make games
- Citizen Badges - Digital awareness, safety and ethics.
As well as being fun, these badges will help you show off what you have learned and could, when the time comes, help you land the job you want.
We are offering everyone in the borough who takes part in iDEA an exclusive Digital Bolton badge to start you on your iDEA journey. The badge shows that you are a proud digital resident, and counts towards your bronze award.
Get started today
To take part in iDEA:
- Follow this Redeem Digital Bolton Badge link and create an account
- Or - visit idea.org.uk, create an account on the iDEA site then select ‘have a badge code’
- Enter digibolton and redeem.
You will see your Digital Bolton badge and points appear in your badge store.
For digital help and support you can check out our digital learning and support page.
Barclays Digital Wings
Barclays Digital Wings will boost your digital skills and confidence, for free. Find out how to stay safe online, use social media, make your business digital and more.
Helping others over the phone / remotely
While COVID 19 higlighted the need for remote digital skills support, we recognise that there are still a number of people who struggle to access learning opportunities outside of their homes. If you have the opportunity to help somone to learn something new or solve a problem there is a useful guide below to help you.
Digital Unite have a useful guide to helping people to use digital technology remotely
Digital
