Click & Connect Volunteer — Edinburgh

Context of the role:

Homelessness is experienced for many reasons, including loneliness, poor mental health, addiction and family breakdown. Our Homelessness Prevention teams help address these issues, build resilience and strengthen communities. Bethany’s Community Development Workers run drop-ins, groups, and recovery programmes across Scotland, connecting people to support networks and services. This volunteer opportunity supports that vital work in the community, helping Bethany Christian Trust in its big vision of “ending homelessness one person at a time”.

Summary of the role:

‘Click and Connect’ is a digital drop-in at Bethany Christian Trust’s Learning Centre in Leith. The service supports people to build confidence and independence using digital technology in a welcoming and inclusive environment. Participants can bring their own digital devices or use Bethany’s laptops and Wi-Fi to access support.  Volunteers provide one-to-one support with a range of digital needs, including setting up email accounts, using phones, laptops and online services, completing online forms, bidding for housing, creating CVs, and developing digital skills.

For many, the group is far more than a digital drop-in, and volunteers should be ready to listen, offer encouragement and build supportive relationships with participants. A person-centred approach is at the heart of Click and Connect, recognising that each person’s needs, experiences and goals are different.

General responsibilities

• Foster a supportive and encouraging environment through welcoming people to the group, facilitating social interactions through discussions and offering a listening ear.
• Offer digital support to those attending the group, as well as offering advice and support on issues such as CV writing, filling out online forms etc.
• Assist with the set-up and clean-up of the group, arriving in good time to prepare the space and help organise refreshments, including making tea and coffee.
• Alert staff of any concerns regarding an individual or situation within the group.

Important pre-requisites for the role

• Be 18 years old or over.
• Have an understanding of appropriate boundaries and of confidentiality issues which may arise regarding any individual.
• Be sociable and have an approachable manner, listening sympathetically and communicating effectively.
• Have good time management and organisational skills.
• Willing to work as part of the team, but also confident working on a more individual basis.
• Have good digital literacy.
• Though the role does not require the volunteer to be a Christian, the volunteer should be aware and respectful of the Christian ethos upon which Bethany Christian Trust is founded.

Location:
Bethany Christian Trust’s Learning Centre
65 Bonnington Road
EH6 5JQ

Pattern of hours:

The group run from 10:30 am – 12:30 pm every Tuesday, plus time either side for set-up and clearing away.

Volunteers will be expected to help at the drop-in on a rota basis every 3-4 or weeks, as well as to help cover weeks when other volunteers are unavailable.

Click and Connect Computer Drop-In Role Description