Are you a digital volunteer looking for support or you would like to become a Digital Buddy? You are in the right place. The Digital Buddy volunteer role at Bury Council involves helping individuals improve their digital skills through 1:1 sessions in libraries and digital hubs across the community.
We dedicated this page to Digital Buddy volunteer support for existing volunteers and those looking to become one.
Applying to become a Digital Buddy volunteer
The role of Digital Buddy volunteers is to assist residents with a range of basic online skills such as browsing websites, using email, online shopping, video calling, job applications, Internet security, and effectively using laptops, tablets and smartphones.
We are looking for volunteers, 18 years or older, with key qualities including friendliness, patience, good communication, and enthusiasm for digital technology to inspire people to use the Internet with confidence.
If you feel like this is a role for you apply to be a Digital Buddy today.
GMCA Digital Champions Network
The Greater Manchester Digital Champions Network aims to ensure every resident has the digital skills and literacy to access the online world confidently and safely. The network brings together industry, communities, local authorities, and public sector volunteers to support digital skills for individuals and community organisations. It also facilitates sharing best practices and developing skilled support across the region.
Volunteers from various sectors are encouraged to join and contribute to enhance community digital skills. Visit GMCA Digital Champions Network to join and share your industry knowledge and learn from others.
Volunteer Support Resources
At Bury Council we make sure that the Digital Buddies are offered adequate and informative training in order to be able to inspire the residents who you help out feel confident in using digital technology.
Below we have included some useful resources to help you with your training and supporting service users whether you volunteer at the library or community centre.
Starting Point – This offers free e-learning courses for Digital Champions. These courses are designed to support professional development in a fun and engaging way, enhancing digital skills and literacy for individuals aiming to help their communities.
Barclays’ Digital Wings Digital Champions – This program empowers individuals to help others navigate the digital world. Volunteers who would like to become Digital Champions will receive training and resources from Barclays to support people in improving their digital skills, enhancing their online confidence, and accessing technology benefits. Visit Barclays’ Digital Wings to sign up use BURY (case sensitive) to register.
Visit Bury Council’s community groups and residents digital support and digital skills learning courses to find out more about tools and resources available to service users and organisations across Bury, GM Network and online.
For more information or questions about Bury’s digital inclusion support offer please email us on digitalsupport@bury.gov.uk.