Tunde joined our Cellnex digital champion training earlier this year. Tunde has generally worked in tech as a contractor and was in a position where he was in between roles and wanted to use his skills to give back to the people in his local community. He has been volunteering now for the last few months at Coppice Library run by BlueSci in Trafford and has made a great impression on there learners that have been coming along to the sessions.

Tunde has enjoyed the role so much that despite getting a new permanent role with GMCA he is going to continue volunteering at Coppice library by using his flexible working arrangements. This has been a fantastic example of how with the right training and voluntary opportunities, local people can give back to their communities and make a big impact. It is also perfect timing as Bluesci are working with Trafford Council and have just become a Databank and are developing their digital support in Partington and Broomwood too.

Why did you get involved as a digital champion volunteer?

I choose to volunteer as a way of giving back to my local community and to also deepen my integration into the community. Personally, I derive joy and a sense of fulfillment from helping others. I actually stumbled on the opportunity while having a browse on the Trafford Council website and choose to take it up. My daughter was also volunteering at the Coppice library at this time as part of her DofE (Duke of Edinburgh’s Award) engagement.

Have you volunteered anywhere before?

Yes, I did volunteer to be a part of the NHS and Care Volunteer Responders service during the Covid pandemic. In addition, I volunteer with JCM RCCG, a faith based charity in Manchester.

What did the Digital Champions training give you?

The training from Starting Point provided a framework to work with going into the volunteering role as a digital champion. It also provided pointers to other services which could be beneficial to the residents we’re serving. The safeguarding elements I also found to be useful for effective and safe delivery on the role.

How is the volunteering going, can you share some stories of people you have supported?

It’s been a pleasant experience so far and hope it continues. My fulfillment comes from being able to serve others and see them smile’s on their faces when you’ve been able to resolve their issues at the drop in sessions. I’ve mainly helped by providing 1st line IT support and training to the residents in need of the service; thereby upskilling them and addressing the issue of digital exclusion in our communities.

What do you hope to achieve in the future as a digital champion?

I hope to continue volunteering and would like to see an increase in the uptake of the service offering to a varied range of our community residents as most of the current users are of an older demography. Digital exclusion is a challenge and I would love for it to be significantly reduced given in the negative impact it can have on people’s live in a fast paced technology driven world as it is today. 

If Tunde’s story has inspired you to get involved, you can book onto our next course using this link HERE