Digital Volunteers
After going along to meet new students at the freshers fairs at Liverpool John Moores University & University of Liverpool in September, we have recently had several student volunteers join us here at Kensington Fields Community Centre.
Here, two volunteers tell us why they got involved and what they are getting out of the experience.
Rohan Kumar
'‘I’m from Leeds originally, and this is my third year at University of Liverpool doing Computer Science. Eventually, I’m looking to work in helpdesk, software engineering or cybersecurity.
I think being able to work with people is important regardless of the field you go into, though there’s a particular emphasis on working with people in helpdesk. That’s why I decided to I volunteer to give back to the community, and to sharpen my skills. It's also a great opportunity to meet new people in a new City.
I have learned a fair amount about digital inclusion since I started volunteering at KFCA in October. Having an online presence is so important nowadays whether it’s for job search, saving money through online shopping, or learning new skills for work & school so I am really keen to help people get connected.
I’ve also learned to be more careful with the technical language I use at the sessions and simply things so that people are less daunted by computers and the internet.’
Edward Gorton
‘I decided to start volunteering to get know other people and help build their confidence using technology.
I am studying Geography at LJMU and from Littleborough just NE of Manchester. I’ve been in Liverpool for just over a year now. I’ve got have strong background in computer science along with being the tech support for both my grandparents!
After university I want to be a GIS analyst - basically just maps with data!
Since volunteering at KFCA I have been surprised about the speed people learn and pick things up, and how rewarding it is to see people learn new things especially people who have never been online before.
To anyone who hasn’t been online before or is a bit worried about it, I’d say please come along and have a go, it’s not as scary as you might think.
I believe good digital support is really important as it builds up people’s independence and opens up a whole new world of opportunities. Next week we are doing a session about keeping safe online which is really important for everyone, as new scams are coming up all the time and it’s vital to stay aware, for yourself and others.’
Edward (right) and Rohan (second right) with Rose from KFCA and Amy from Mersey Care LifeRooms at our ‘Get Online Week' event on 14 October.
Our weekly help to get online service has been enabled through a fantastic grant from UK Shared Prosperity Fund which has provided public wifi at the centre, new laptops for people to use & printer and enhanced security features and new software.
All of the volunteering opportunities for students are available on your University volunteering platforms. We have opportunities across all parts of our charity from the food pantry, back office functions, in the allotment as well as helping to provide digital support.
All of our volunteers receive lots of training & support. Ed & Rohan are doing Digital Champion training in the New Year through the LCR Digital Inclusion Initiative which is just one of a whole host of trainings we can support volunteers with.
It’s not just students that can volunteer with us either, we welcome volunteer applications from anyone who has the spare time and skills & experience to offer. We will be re-opening volunteering opportunities in early 2025.
If you are interested in volunteering & you’d like to know more, please get in touch 0151 708 9107 / hello@kfca.co.uk