DIGITAL champion volunteers are helping unemployed residents to gain confidence using computers.

They are part of a project called Include-IT Mersey which is encouraging the over 40s to get online and support them to become job ready.

Rachel Moxon, who volunteers at Kingsway Learning Centre in Widnes, said: “It’s all about giving people confidence. “Witnessing the transformation from fear of pressing the wrong key to sending emails is really rewarding.

“Having the skills to use digital technology is essential with many services being offered online such as doctor’s appointments, housing association queries and job applications.

“It can save us time and money, make us feel better connected, less lonely and better informed”.

Volunteer coordinator Sally Dobbing, who is recruiting volunteers, said: “Digital champion volunteers can make a significant difference to people’s lives, they just need to be able to chat to people and be confident using a computer.

“Volunteering is an excellent opportunity to help others, gain new skills, meet new people, gain work experience or improve your CV.”

Volunteers will be fully briefed before commencing there role and can volunteer at a time and venue convenient to them in either Runcorn or Widnes.

Anyone interested can call Sally on 07860 846604 or e-mail sally.dobbing@seftoncvs.org.uk.