A Lancaster volunteer organisation have launched a ‘digital buddies’ scheme to support people in how to make better use of smartphones and computers.
Bay Volunteers supports the needs of people and communities across the Lancaster District, working with partners including Lancaster City Council, Lancaster District Community Hub, Lancaster District CVS, Lancaster and Bay Integrated Care Communities, Lancaster University Students' Union, among many others to bring support to those in our community who need it.
They also offer a Support Line where volunteers can sign up and pick which requests they are able to do, which mainly include shopping for someone, collecting and delivering post/parcels, collecting and delivering prescriptions, or befriending/listening calls for someone over the phone, as well as other requests like going on a listening walk with someone.
Now, they’ve launched their new service – Digital Buddies.
Matt Parker, Bay Volunteers manager, explains more. Click here to listen to our interview in full:
Matt says: ‘’In recent months, we’ve seen an even greater increase in referrals of people needing our support, but it’s good that we’re finding help for them.
‘’Volunteer numbers have increased too which is great, but we always need more! The message is getting out there to support.
‘’We want to be here long term to help people who need it and stop them having to perhaps go into care or needing more NHS or council services.
‘’Our current work of things like doing shopping, picking up prescriptions and listening walks and talks we’re now launching our digital buddy support service. The idea is to help people who are isolated in their homes, housebound, or disconnected from family or friends, to better use technology.
‘’It could be teaching them how to use Zoom or WhatsApp, maybe they need an email address, or want to order a prescription online, we can help connect people.
‘’Anyone with access to a phone, tablet or computer can be helped. Sometimes there’s a fear of using technology or of being scammed. We can send people to help them on their way.’’
Search for them on social media, or call 01524 841941.
Investigation closed into prisoner's death at Lancaster hospital
LISTEN: How Lancaster life coach aims to spread Christmas cheer this year
Lancaster schoolgirl's design wins Mayor’s Christmas card competition
Heysham Power Stations worker wins coveted Apprentice of the Year award
Iconic former Morecambe hotel and nightclub set to go under the hammer
Record-breaking funding expected for Morecambe events and festivals
Police release video clip as search for missing Lancaster University student continues
TV star Brian Cox pays a visit to Lancaster’s Police Museum
Morecambe Football Club confirm details of Fans’ Forum
Multiple people treated after carbon monoxide leak at Morecambe address
Heysham Power Stations alarm tests planned for Christmas Day and New Year's Day
LISTEN: St John's Hospice in Lancaster set for 40th anniversary year
Second earthquake in a month shakes Lancaster and Morecambe Bay
LISTEN: Lancaster Samaritans are there for you at Christmas
WATCH and LISTEN: Lancaster band's new music video for song written by Morecambe schoolchildren
Safer Pod launched to make Lancaster safer during ‘Winter of Action’
Police make two arrests after pedestrian critically injured in Morecambe hit and run
D-Day war hero, 101, to receive Freedom of City of Lancaster
LISTEN: Beyond Radio helps Santa deliver presents from annual Christmas Toy Appeal
Modern day mixtape to help fund reopening of Lancaster music facility
