Digital champions reach golden milestone

There is now more help than ever for Dorset residents to get online, with 50 volunteer digital champions working across the county.

The newest champions for Shaftesbury - Chris Robinson and Lorena Sutherland – now mean Dorset Council has recruited its largest number of active digital champions.

From Shaftesbury to Portland and from Ferndown to Lyme Regis, the council has volunteer digital champions covering most corners of Dorset.

They hold face to face sessions in libraries and community centres for anyone who has a technical problem or needs help with a digital device or getting online.

Chris, who worked for Openreach for 44 years as an engineer before retiring a year ago, said: “I always like helping people and I wanted to do my bit. I did a lot of coaching in my previous job and thought the time was right to give something back to the community.”

And Lorena, who is a web content designer and has worked previously for central and local government, added: “In my job I have seen first-hand the immense impact of digital exclusion and the barriers that can bring. I’m hoping I can help people overcome those barriers.”

Both Chris and Lorena will be based at Shaftesbury Library, holding face-to-face sessions on Mondays and Thursdays.

As well as Chris and Lorena, there are 48 other volunteer digital champions who are dedicated, friendly and patient.

They can help with a whole range of digital issues such as setting up a new device, online shopping and banking, using apps, accessing public services and how to save money and stay safe online.

Dorset Council’s deputy leader and Cabinet member for Property & Assets and Economic Growth, Cllr Richard Biggs, said: “It’s fantastic news that we now have 50 dedicated volunteers who are helping our residents to get online.

“This is so important as more and more things become digital, including vital public services.

“Our volunteers are very good at encouraging people to try digital and have some fun with it. We’ll always be able to help people whether they are digital or not but for anyone who would like more help getting online, our champions are ready and waiting to help.”

People can find out where their nearest digital champion session is by calling the council’s Digital hotline on 01305 221048.