Volunteers needed to help Thurrock library scheme

4:26pm Monday 4th February 2013 in News By Emma Thomas

Internet experts are needed to help people learn computer skills at Thurrock Council's libraries. 

More than 4,000 people have learnt how to use the internet, email and digital photography thanks to the service. 

The Wiser4IT scheme has been running since 2002 and targets the over 50s. 

All nine local libraries have been involved in the courses but due to a lack of volunteers only seven libraries are offering the free, two-hour sessions. 

Councillor Oliver Gerrish, portfolio holder for education,  said: “We owe a debt to our regular volunteers, but are always on the lookout for more.

“Volunteering can bring people a great sense of satisfaction, sharing skills with other people.

“It takes a special person to devote time and energy to the community in this way.

“But the benefits of learning basic computer skills are unlimited as they open a whole world of opportunities, making those that have them more competitive, with increased knowledge and access to knowledge - and improved self-worth."

If you would be able to spare at least two hours a week to help, or for more information, go to volunteering@thurrock.gov.uk.

Comments(5)

aerobic1 says...
12:35pm Tue 5 Feb 13

I would like to assist with teaching computers but again this opportunity is for voluntary work. Would be interested if paid. So many volunteers with good skills do as good a job as ones undertaken by people who are paid! This is not right. These should be proper jobs.

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DannyButcher says...
2:07pm Tue 5 Feb 13

Uhm, and who do you think should fund that?

Or are you one of those that wants to do something, but won't do it off your own back?

I'm sure there are more skilled people out there willing to donate their time, and real skills (not the, i've built my own pc and use one so I know everything) to the public good.

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aerobic1 says...
3:41pm Tue 5 Feb 13

This is my own business and having been a stay at home mum, am now using my computer skills obtained through college, obviously to be paid. Mums going back to work can find it difficult building up a business, as having to start from scratch but I prefer to do no more unpaid work. Good on those that have enough income to be able to give time freely.

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DannyButcher says...
4:59pm Tue 5 Feb 13

EVERYONE finds it hard to do anything, that's just how life is.

The reason this is a voluntary role, is because it looks to be predominately about showing people who don't use computers, how to use them. I'm sure many people who have learnt how to use computers could easily do this. (hence why it isn't a specialized paid role.)

I think it a good thing when people qualify in IT, but in reality, people who gain a simple qualification like an A+ still only know the basics. These are now competing for jobs against people with MCSA's/MCSE's and the whole new equivalents. With job losses as they are, many highly qualified people are resorting to lower level jobs, or starting their own businesses. As I said, hard for everyone. But these are not, and should not be paid roles.

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luckygirl says...
5:29pm Tue 5 Feb 13

Quite right DannyButcher - volunteering is also a great way for people to get experience of a work place, especially if you have been out of work for a long time or even if you have been made redundant recently - in some cases volunteering can lead to paid employment, it also looks good on your CV. Aerobic you need to wake up and live in the real world - it isn't a case of having enough money to volunteer - there are numerous reasons why peole volunteer - see above. But mostly it's the people who get off there backside to do something for others - not people like you who want every given to you. I would much rather see a CV that says to me that person has taken initiative to do something off there own back.

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