Volunteers' Week: AbilityNet

This Volunteers’ Week, we at KeyRing want to shine a spotlight on a group of amazing people who have made a real difference to our Members’ lives: the AbilityNet Tech Volunteers.

Over the past year or so, these brilliant volunteers have supported the people we work with - many of whom have learning disabilities, autism, or mental health needs - to feel more confident using digital technology. That might mean helping someone set up an email account for the first time, learn how to use online banking, or join a video call with family or support networks.

It’s easy to take digital access for granted, but for many of our Members it can feel confusing, overwhelming, or simply out of reach. That’s where the Tech Volunteers come in - with patience, kindness, and a passion for making technology accessible to all.

Susan Jones at KeyRing says:

“We have many KeyRing Members who do not have access to the internet or have a device or the skills to participate online. In the world that we live in, it is so important for everyone to have access to the internet - many GP surgeries even insist on online booking for appointments now. Through our digital inclusion project we are trying to ensure that as many Members as possible have access to the digital world. Funding is a big issue so to be able to receive devices and support from AbilityNet is amazing - a huge help. We really appreciate you being able to offer devices to us that we can pass onto our Members. Thank you.”

One of our Members, Eric, had an old phone that no longer worked and couldn’t afford to buy a new one.  AbilityNet stepped in and gifted him a new phone. Eric felt relatively confident but needed some help from AbilityNet Tech Volunteer Mark at a Digital Skills Training session in Bristol, where he helped him to set the new phone up. Mark set up Eric's phone and moved his information over to the new phone. Eric found it really helpful to have this helping hand, he said the device and support makes a “big difference, I can communicate with everyone and I book tickets online. I tend to hoard so being able to move things online is very helpful to help clear my flat.”  It’s making a huge difference to Eric’s day to day life, “The more I do stuff online the less cluttered my personal space and mind will be.”

This partnership with AbilityNet has been about more than just tech support—it’s been about building confidence, independence, and connection.

To every AbilityNet Tech Volunteer: thank you. Your time and generosity have empowered our Members in ways that go far beyond the screen. You’ve helped open up the digital world—and that means everything.

Happy Volunteers’ Week 2025!

Find out more about AbilityNet Digital Skills Training or become a volunteer.