Do you need the help of a ‘digital mentor’ to stay connected?
Are you part of a voluntary group that needs to improve its digital skills so it can continue to operate during the coronavirus pandemic?
If so, the Powys Association of Voluntary Organisation’s (PAVO) ‘digital mentors’ could be the answer.
Digital skills have proved to be essential for many during the coronavirus pandemic, as new ways of working and socialising have been adopted but adapting has not been easy for everybody.
If you fall into this category, and need help to stay connected, PAVO has recruited a small pool of volunteer mentors who are able to work with groups to help them develop their digital services.
“PAVO’s Online Volunteering project, which ran between March 2019 and March 2020, worked with a small group of voluntary organisations in Powys to help them to pilot opportunities for online volunteers,” said Claire Sterry, PAVO’s Senior Officer Third Sector Development. “Through the medium of the internet, groups were able to find volunteers both from within and outside Powys to help them, for example, set up a new website, design posters for events, and facilitate an online befriending group.
“One of the key findings of the project, however, was that many voluntary organisations in Powys need support to improve their essential digital skills. This was brought even more sharply into focus by the onset of the pandemic, as groups suddenly found themselves forced to work in new ways, especially online.
“With continuation funding from Arwain, the project has re-focused on providing this support. Through direct advice, signposting, and training, the project aims to boost the digital skills and confidence of trustees, staff, and volunteers across the third sector in Powys.”
There are also plans to set up a ‘Digital Powys Network’ for groups working on digital development and digital inclusion in the county, so they can share information and support each other.
This links closely with Powys County Council’s Libraries service, which although it has maintained offerings of support virtually, would, under normal circumstances, provide access to digital equipment, the internet and general oversight for anyone who needed it. However, the Libraries service plans to continue to work with PAVO to identify further opportunities for support in the future.
Voluntary organisations and trustees in Powys, who would like digital support, can get in touch with PAVO by emailing info(at)pavo.org.uk or calling 01597 822191.
PAVO is also the organisation to go to if you are looking to recruit volunteers, want funding or governance support, or if you want to get involved in online volunteering.
Hundreds of volunteering opportunities can also be found on the Volunteering Wales website: volunteering-wales.net/
