Volunteers & Digital Champions

Paul has been volunteering at the Roy Fletcher Centre for over seven years, supporting people with digital skills and bringing a wealth of knowledge, warmth and good humour to every session.

With a background in IT, Paul says he's learned more through volunteering than he ever did at college - and it shows! Just recently, he helped a client with her CV and online job application, and she got the job. Paul says, "It might never have happened without the support. That's what gives me a real buzz : helping people and making a difference."

Paul brings a personalised approach, working at each person's pace and focusing on what they want to achieve. He also values being part of a supportive volunteer team, where everyone brings different strengths and backs each other up.

And yes, he's also a black belt in Karate!

Harry is the newest member of our volunteer team, combining his studies in Computer Science with a genuine passion for helping people grow in confidence. Each week he works with learners on essential digital skills, focusing on steady progress and building the belief that they can do this.

His sessions are calm, patient and interactive. Harry encourages learners to explore, ask questions and try things for themselves, creating a collaborative atmosphere where learning becomes a shared experience. He works alongside each person as they take small, achievable steps that lead to meaningful progress.

Harry's approach helps learners feel supported, capable and ready to take on the next stage of their digital journey.

Pete has been volunteering with the Digital Skills sessions since March 2023, starting with our Thursday drop-in sessions. More recently becoming also a one-to-one Wednesday tutor. Pete is also a Shrewsbury Town Ambassador and so brings self assurance along with his extensive knowledge and IT skills to his client sessions. He interacts well with people and puts them at their ease.

He recalls one Thursday that a man came in seeking help with what appeared to be a dead laptop. After charging it he got it to switch on, then cleared out a lot of garbage, updated the operating system and the man left with a fully working device and a big smile on his face; this is what can make volunteering so rewarding.

Pete says, 'everyone needs help at some time or other and the key is finding the right balance of help for each individual'. He is proficient and able to help with phones, tablets, Ipads and laptops, including loading apps and explaining how to use them. Further he is well versed in staying safe online, for example recognising a scam or a virus and how to deal with them.

Exercising another of his skills Pete recently made a mobile phone stand holder for a client to use when making Whatsapp face time calls.

Kevin joined the Roy Fletcher Centre as a volunteer tutor last year, bringing with him a wealth of experience in education, data analysis and community engagement. Each week he helps people build confidence using laptops, smartphones and the internet. From sending emails and managing photos to spotting online scams and staying safe online.

Kevin believes that learning digital skills is about more than technology; it's about connection and confidence. His sessions are friendly, patient and full of encouragement, helping people take small steps that make a big difference in their everyday lives. Many of his learners have gone from feeling anxious about technology to using it independently to keep in touch with family, shop online and manage daily tasks.

Behind the scenes, Kevin has also played a huge part in refreshing the Centre's social media presence and digital marketing. Thanks to his structured plan and creative ideas, our posts now reach far more people across Shrewsbury and beyond.

Kevin says: "The best part of volunteering here is seeing people realise they can do it. That moment when something clicks and they smile because they've achieved something they didn't think they could. It's a privilege to be part of their journey."

This is where the volunteer's full story will go. It should be personal, engaging, and highlight their journey, motivations, and experiences volunteering with Mind the Digital Gap. The story can be several paragraphs long, sharing details about what brought them to volunteering, their background and experience, what they enjoy most about volunteering, memorable moments or success stories, and how volunteering has impacted their life.

The story should be warm, encouraging, and authentic. It should help readers connect with the volunteer and understand the human side of our work. This expandable format allows visitors to read the full story without leaving the page, making it easy to explore multiple volunteer stories.

For the past four years, Chris has been a stalwart of our Digital Skills volunteer team. Known for his enthusiasm, sharp wit, and unique sartorial style, he's become the "poster boy" of our service - even featuring on our promotional flyers.

What first inspired him?

A neighbour told Chris about the project, and he's been a regular ever since. With a keen interest in the video games industry (both software and hardware), Chris brings curiosity and creativity into every session.

What do clients come back for?

"Although I help with storage and buying phones, I find people return for the social element on a regular basis."

A memorable part of volunteering?

"The camaraderie. A lot of clients are too embarrassed or shy to come at first, but once the blocks are lifted, they relax and really enjoy it."

His advice for new volunteers:

"Try lots of different things - you never know what you'll find that you'll like!"

Since January 2024, Phil has been bringing wisdom, humour and a calm presence to our Digital Skills sessions. With decades of experience in mental health, business and tech, he's proof that learning never stops, and neither does curiosity.

"I don't know everything. I just ask my good friend Dr Google!"

Whether someone turns up with an Android tablet or a MacBook mystery, Phil's approach is simple: work it out together, ask good questions, and laugh when you can. Because behind every tech query is a person, and Phil knows that human connection comes first.

A moment that stayed with him?

Supporting a Ukrainian learner through Google Translate - phones side-by-side, two languages, one shared goal.

What keeps him coming back?

"The moment someone relaxes, smiles, shares a joke. That's when real learning begins."

His advice for new volunteers:

Be warm. Be curious. Don't worry about knowing it all. Ask good questions, listen well, and write things down - it helps.

This is where the volunteer's full story will go. It should be personal, engaging, and highlight their journey, motivations, and experiences volunteering with Mind the Digital Gap. The story can be several paragraphs long, sharing details about what brought them to volunteering, their background and experience, what they enjoy most about volunteering, memorable moments or success stories, and how volunteering has impacted their life.

The story should be warm, encouraging, and authentic. It should help readers connect with the volunteer and understand the human side of our work. This expandable format allows visitors to read the full story without leaving the page, making it easy to explore multiple volunteer stories.