Voluntering with Glasgow Life - Libraries
I currently volunteer as a DigiPal with Glasgow Life.
This is my story of why I decided to get involved in volunteering and become a DigPal.
Initially, I applied for the role of DigiPal in March 2020. I had my interview with Janis at Elderpark Library. The interview was very informal: we agreed that I was suited to the role and agreed to an immediate start by
shadowing some existing volunteers. Unfortunately, the day I was to have my first shadowing session the COVID lockdown started. Janis kept in regular contact with me, and I did likewise. I eventually started my DigiPal Role on 30 November 2022.
However, while I was waiting for a start in the library, I volunteered with Lenord Cheshire as a Digital Buddy from May 2021 until April 2023.
My role there was Supporting People with Disabilities to maximise their use of technology. All sessions were conducted online using Zoom.
My DigiPal Role was initially a Thursday morning at Pollockshaws Library because they did not have a DigiPal. People came in for help with printing, scanning documents and learning how to use their mobile phones. However, most weeks there were no customers for me. I tried different days to no avail.
In June 2023, I moved to Ibrox Library providing general support to the public assisting with tasks such as: printing emails, scanning documents, formatting CVs or renewing car insurance. This last example was to help someone aged 90 years.
On Friday afternoons, along with a fellow DigiPal, I support a drop-in group session. This is where people can get extra support with using IT. Activities here include:
- Helping people working towards qualifications
- Providing guidance on setting up phones and tablets
- Printing emails
- Online shopping
- Staying safe when using technology
An important part of the Friday session is that you get to spend extra time with individuals enabling
them to achieve their goals. Additionally, there is a social aspect to this session. Following the
learning segment there is an opportunity to sit and enjoy tea/coffee & biscuits and have a blether. I get
a lot from this as I hear people’s stories and most of the people who attend are socially and digitally isolated. Through time you see the individuals develop confidence in using IT and becoming digitally included. This gives me great pride in seeing their progress. In addition, I have voluntarily provided one-to-one support in using a new laptop to an older woman who is new to IT and about to start a history course at University in September.
The DigiPal role fits perfectly with my ethos, as I am passionate about lifelong learning. I’m always looking for opportunities to develop my skills. Learning is one of my main hobbies as I always like to challenge myself. Through Glasgow Life, I have gained a NPA Level 5 Certificate in Web Design. Also, I undertook the NPA Level 7 Certificate in Software Development. I am striving to develop my skills as a “Full Stack Developer”, by finding free courses (unless someone is willing to fund me to return to college and undertake an HNC/D in Web Design). To allow me to fully develop the CPINFO website as a resource for adults growing older with CP
I hope to continue with the DigiPal role since it gives me a sense of purpose. Social interaction with others in turn helps with my overall well-being having always worked with the public. The Digpal role gives me a great sense of pride. It allows me to use my IT skills and experience, to help people develop their confidence in using technology in day-to-day living. Enabling people who are digitally excluded to become confident in using technology is important as it allows them to become digitally included within a society which is becoming more digitised.
My story demonstrates that people with Cerebral Palsy or with other impairments can play an important role in serving local communities.
The DigiPal position has shown me that I can still play an active role in society.
I would love to share your stories about volunteering, please email them to the address below