David Riley, 63, began volunteering at Manchester’s Central Library in 2018. After experiencing a period of severe ill-health, he was encouraged to take an online computer course – a major shift from his previous 18-year career as a window cleaner.
David had always loved libraries but admitted, “I knew nothing about computers.” His journey into digital inclusion began unexpectedly, and today he’s one of its most passionate advocates.
He started out as a meet-and-greet volunteer at Central Library but soon got involved in supporting a one-off digital skills session. He found the experience incredibly rewarding and, after seeing how valuable it was for residents, campaigned to keep the session running beyond its initial funding. Except for closures during lockdown, the Digital Drop-In on the 3rd floor has been running weekly ever since.
“Technology was something that helped me,” David explains, “so I could empathise with people attending the sessions.”
The Digital Drop-In is open to any resident who needs help getting online. Attendees can bring their own devices for troubleshooting, get assistance downloading apps, or work through online training modules with support from Digital Champions. The sessions run every Tuesday from 10am to 12.30pm on the library’s 3rd floor.
Volunteering as a Digital Champion has been life-changing for David. “After being knocked back in my attempts to get into work, it completely rebuilt my confidence,” he says.
After three years of volunteering, David transitioned into part-time employment at the library on the condition that he could continue running the Tuesday drop-in sessions. He describes the initiative as a lifeline for many residents, having built strong connections and even helped one attendee self-publish a book.
His advice to anyone considering volunteering? “Teach, don’t tell, it works like dynamite!”