Do you like helping people and want to give something back to the community? Are you computer-savvy and good at explaining things? Why not become a digital mentor!

Our digital mentor scheme helps people to develop their online skills by showing them how to send and receive emails, use a search engine, browse the internet, complete online forms safely and much more! The scheme’s run in partnership with Hampshire County Council and volunteers are based at libraries across Hampshire, including Aldershot, Andover, Basingstoke, Eastleigh and Farnborough.

Our Digital Inclusion Officer, Chloe Clarke, who manages the scheme, said: “Our digital mentors play a key part in helping us to support our customers who may be struggling with a lack of skills and confidence, to get online, prevent digital exclusion and provide a brighter future.

“Being digitally included is becoming more and more important, and having digital skills brings so many benefits – from finding employment, claiming Universal Credit, saving money, becoming less isolated, as well as improving quality of life and wellbeing.”

As well as improving the digital skills of local people, the mentor scheme can bring many benefits to the mentors too. Dan improved his physical and mental wellbeing after volunteering with VIVID to be a digital mentor.

Dan said: “Listening to your learner and being friendly is all it takes to put people at ease, and in the right frame of mind for learning. I’ve had learners that went from being afraid to even touch a computer, to being able to browse their favourite websites on their own. It's great to work things out together, show them that they’re not helpless, that they can find the solutions to these problems themselves and don't need to be afraid.

“Since being a digital mentor, I’ve become a much happier and healthier person. I’ve made new friends, and I’m now working full-time at a company where I’m well-treated and that I respect and admire. This is largely thanks to the skills and experience and confidence in my abilities that I gained from volunteering with VIVID, and from the part-time job at the library that this led to.”

To be a mentor, you don’t need to be a technical genius, as long as you’re patient and are good at explaining instructions.

If you or someone you know would be interested in becoming a digital mentor, you can find out more here.