The support of digital champions can be incredibly beneficial for both our organisation and the residents of Salford. The Digital champions, we are looking to work with are volunteers who help our 50+ adults understand the benefits of using the internet and can show them how to do simple things online. They provide support both one-to-one and in group sessions in a relaxed, informal environment, which is learner-led and person-centred.

For our organisation, Digital Champions support us to increase trust and engagement among learners through peer learning. But they also gain experience as well as provide well-being benefits for volunteers, as they gain a sense of purpose and satisfaction from helping others. It also enhances employability for volunteers by developing their communication and teaching skills, whilst exposing them to future recruitment through our organisation or other Corporate Social Responsibility programs.

For Salford residents, the impact of having a digital champion volunteer includes:

• Improved digital literacy, which can lead to better access to online services, information, and opportunities.

• Increased confidence and independence in using digital devices and the internet.

• Enhanced social inclusion, as residents can connect with family, friends, and the wider community online.

• Access to tailored support, through our structured programmes, that meets their specific needs and learning pace.

Overall, I can confidently quote that digital champions play a vital role in bridging the digital divide, empowering individuals, and fostering a more inclusive digital society. Their support can lead to significant positive changes in the lives of Salford residents and contribute to the success of our organisation's digital inclusion initiatives.

Irene - Sovereign House

We are really looking forward to you and your volunteers supporting our Companions to look at all things digital, from a staff perspective we really appreciate your support. We are a very small team and unable to be all to everyone and although we do look to support their needs and request, we can't always. 

For example, we have a gentleman who does have mental health issues and needs to order his prescription for his medication. I have managed to get him to download the NHS app, however, he forgets his password and locks the account, this happens each month;  by completing these tasks for him and not having the capacity to demonstrate this task with him  I am not empowering him to be independent and take responsibility for his own mental health. 

Our fear for most of the companions, is that, when they do eventually leave us and step into the world, they will struggle with the digital aspect of how we all live our lives. A lot of those we work with are usually too proud to ask for support with the littlest of things, which then isolates and impacts them in day-to-day life, such as making a GP appointment, reaching out to friends on social media or those who cannot get out, giving them the confidence to complete a food shopping order online. 

We really do appreciate your time and energy in looking at this for us and hopefully you will find your experience very rewarding.

It's the little things that count!!!!

Victoria - Emmaus

The following quotes are from Jasmin, Founder of Women with Wings, who has been supported by Digital Champions as part of the Connect 15 - Strengthening Communities programme:

Amy

Amy, our Digital Champion, leads digital literacy sessions every Thursday. She has been helping and supporting our community with digital technology since February 2025. We’ve seen the impact of these sessions over time.  
The sessions are open to all Little Hulton residents who wish to increase their knowledge of technology. So far, we’ve supported over 20 residents, ranging in age from 17 to over 55.  
Amy is equipped with valuable knowledge in technology—something much needed in our community—and she is determined to pass it on to our residents.  
Thank you, Amy, for the wonderful work you do in our community.

Chris

We’ve started working with Chris to support us in building and managing our own website and social media platforms. Chris has the knowledge that our organisation, Women with Wings, truly needs.

The future looks bright with this support, and we can’t wait to be in a position to run and manage our own website—it will save us a lot of money.

Thank you Chris for your support, we appreciate it so much.

Jasmin - Women with Wings

Can I just say thank you so much for everything, but in particular for finding Chris [the digital champion] for us - he's an absolute star and we are really excited to be working with him!

Branwen - The Tatton

The digital champions that we've had have been absolutely amazing and [the Digital Inclusion team have] really helped us with equipment and all sorts of things going forward.

Kay - Salford Disability Forum

We took four volunteers from your pool and they've all been fantastic in working in different ways. They were originally set to work with the Claremont and Weaste opportunities club, however on talking to our volunteers and realising what skills they had to offer, we used them in various different ways. Chris has come on board and helped us... set up a new website, put integrations with LinkedIn, with Facebook profile, set up Canva, adjusted our logos... and done loads of fab work.

Andy - Salford Disability Forum

The support from digital champions as been invaluable for our clients, it’s provided opportunity for support and increased confidence relating to staying safe online, accessing valuable resources and understanding around the use of online/digital spaces.

Rachel - Salford Foundation, Safe in Salford