IT savvy volunteers needed to help carers connect

Past volunteers at Carers’ Resource IT@Home scheme have gone on to find full time employment thanks to the skills, confidence and increased self-esteem they have gained from helping out.

Helpers will support carers in getting to grip with computers, from setting up email to online shopping and speaking to family and friends abroad. Those looking to volunteer would commit only a couple of hours a week, and their own transport is desirable, as they would visit clients in their homes.

Help is also needed at a group in Steeton which provides social activities for carers. A host is required to open up The Hub, greet members, organise monthly sessions and collect subs. It would take only around seven hours a month.

Attendee Helen Gunton, 48, from Keighley, is a full time carer for husband Nigel, 53, who has muscular dystrophy.

She said: “The Time For Me group means everything to me. I had felt very isolated at home caring full time for my husband but I received such a warm welcome when I went to Time For Me and my husband goes with me now. There are guest speakers and fun activities and we really look forward to seeing everyone every month.”

Full training is provided for both roles and expenses would be provided.

Stella Elson, service manager of the Carers’ Resource CReate (Carers’ Resource Employment, Advice and Training Enterprises) scheme, which is funded by the Big Lottery, volunteering can be hugely beneficial for those who do it, and could be a “positive stepping stone” to work.

She said: “Volunteering offers a whole host of advantages, such as work experience, additions to CVs, references, confidence building, and increased self esteem, and we know employers value the skills and commitment of volunteers.

“One of our IT volunteers had been out of work for about ten years when he started with us and he used his skills to rebuild lap tops for carers to use.

“Supporting us gave him the confidence to successfully apply for a job in the public sector, which was basically doing the same as what he was doing for us, so it’s wonderful that he has now found work and using his skills.”

Mrs Elson said the IT sessions in particular were vital for carers to enable them to keep in connect with friends and improve their own self worth.

She added: “There are so many ways in which volunteers can become involved at Carers’ Resource – we have volunteers who come in once a week to help with office tasks, while others are out and about in the community helping at groups or visiting people in their homes.

“They are an integral part of our organisation and play an important role in supporting our carers and clients.”

For more details check carersresource.org or email Val Stewart on [email protected]