Will you volunteer to be a Digital Buddy?

Computer savvy volunteers are needed to become Digital Buddies and help the borough’s residents enter the internet age.

Councillor Trevor Holt, Bury Council’s lead member for digital inclusion, said: “The impact of technology in our working and personal lives is already significant and is only going to increase.

“Being able to ‘go digital’ improves people’s employment prospects and opportunities, and gives a great level of independence to disabled people, their carers and families.

“We think it’s vital, therefore, to help where we can to ensure that residents have access to the internet, equipment, support and training.”

Digital Buddies would work with people, including the most vulnerable, in the borough’s libraries and digital hubs. In return, the council will support volunteers with training and develop their skills.

Cllr Holt added: “By bringing together the council, the local community, partners and businesses we can further develop opportunities that will increase awareness and usage of equipment and digital services that will deliver vast benefits to our customers and our businesses and transform lives.”

For more details of the scheme, and to sign up as a Digital Buddy, go to http://www.bury.gov.uk/digitalbuddy

ENDS

Press release issued: 16 May 2016.

Picture: Become a Digital Buddy, with (left) Michael O’Callaghan, digital inclusion officer at Bury Libraries, and Cllr Trevor Holt.