After working in retail for just over 27 years, I found myself between jobs. I was ready to find something that would keep my mind focused, help me learn new skills, whilst giving something back to my local community.

I came across the Digital Champions programme at Hounslow over a year ago via Heston Repair Cafe, which supports residents by refurbishing their devices. After a brief chat, the team at the Repair Café put me in touch with the Digital Adoption and Inclusion Team at Hounslow Council who were leading on the programme, which ticked all the right boxes for me. Since the programme was still in its infancy, I didn’t really know what to expect. Little did I know at the time, the experience would reinforce what I really wanted to do – work with technology and help others. 

One of the best things about being a Digital Champion is meeting and working with residents from all walks of life. Whether it was helping someone set up their first email account or showing them how to update their CV online, I developed some serious customer service skills, along with patience, empathy and communication. 

It wasn’t all about the residents though – as Digital Champions, we built a tight-knit community supporting each other, sharing tips and tricks, and having a good laugh when we could. The friendships and professional relationships I’ve made have helped make my journey even more valuable. 

I also got the chance to work with local community groups, specifically, Certitude, that really spoke to me. Certitude provides support to people with learning and mental health difficulties, to help rebuild connections in the community. Each week, we would meet at the local community centre, in one of the most digitally excluded areas of Hounslow borough, to do some arts and crafts. What started as a one-off digital support session, soon became a regular, with residents slowly becoming more digitally confident. We were also able to equip the residents with refurbished devices, which I used to teach them basic digital skills with. It was exciting to see how the collaboration between Digital Champions and a local community group really made an impact on the lives of our residents and helped bridge the digital divide.

Collaborating with the support worker from Certitude acted as an inspiration to get out there and help others. When I came across an advert for Digital Accessibility Advisor, I knew I had to go for it. With the support of an Employment Advisor, part of the “Work Hounslow” team, I was able to give my 100% into making sure my CV was updated and aligned with the role. The support from the Work Hounslow team was invaluable – my work coach supported me with the cover letter and even helped prepare for the interview, when I eventually heard back from the employer. 

Having recently started my paid employment, I’m still keen to support the Digital Champions programme, volunteering in the community when I can. Volunteering has been an amazing experience that not only allowed me to give back to my community but also honed my existing skills and confidence to land a paid job. If you’re thinking about volunteering, I say go for it, you never know where it might lead you! 

What our residents at the Community Centre have said: 

“I love the digital drop-ins. They’ve been really helpful. [DC who supported me] has been so cool and the help he has given to fix my ipods and he has taught me how to use them”

“[Drop-ins have been a] Very good service provided to us. [The Digital Champions] have always been helpful when I speak to them and help with my digital needs. I am still learning new skills, but I enjoy learning and want to keep learning as much as I can. Thank you to the Digital Inclusion Team for this service as it is helping me a lot with my digital devices”