The Tech & Tea project is part of the Salford Together Integrated Care Programme for Older People and aims to improve access to information and IT skills for older people over 65. Tech & Tea Digital Champion Volunteers assist older people to learn digital skills during an informal community IT class under the supervision of a qualified adult learning tutor. (This is the Tech part).
Tech & Tea Volunteers also help older people to understand and complete Wellbeing Plans which encourage a commitment to better self-management of health and wellbeing. (This is the Tea part).
Tech & Tea basic IT courses last for 5 weeks and are based in a variety of settings across Salford, for example, sheltered accommodation schemes, care homes, and community venues. The sessions last for 2.5 hours. The technology used is both lap tops and tablets which are provided. A mobile wifi server is provided if internet access is not available on site.
There are usually 2-3 digital volunteers at the Tech & Tea sessions as there are usually between 5-10 learners who all require some one-to-one support.
Digital Volunteers attend a 1 day volunteer group induction which involves a basic IT session to assess volunteers` digital skills and to raise awareness that some of the people volunteers will be supporting may never have used a computer before. Volunteers are also assessed in terms of their communication skills as volunteers will support older people on an individual basis. Volunteers are given information on the Salford Together My Wellbeing Plan, and have opportunity to discuss and complete a Plan with another volunteer. The induction is a very informal occasion and lunch is provided and travel expenses reimbursed.
Interested?
Please contact Jessica or Michael, Volunteering Development Workers, on 0161 787 7795 email: together@salfordcvs.co.uk