Every month we send out dozens of devices. Each one is a tool for its new owner to take control of their own lives and build their own future on their own terms.
We are looking for the following volunteers:
Digital Champion
Digital Champions teach digital skills to refugees. You could join us at our digital drop-in every Wednesday to provide ad-hoc support to refugees looking for help, or you could work with us to design and deliver group sessions, online or in-person. The goal is helping refugees develop their digital skills and grow in confidence and online security.
Techie
Techies commit to taking a certain number of devices per month, fitting them with new hardware and downloading new software. They receive training and follow guidelines but take ownership of the devices and decisions relating to their refurbishment. They are central to the Screen Share model.
Despite being the world’s 6th largest economy (by GDP), British society is deeply unequal. This inequality has widened over the past few years, in part due to the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic response.
As highlighted by the pandemic, an increasingly central requirement to participating in modern life is the ability to get online. However, this is not universally the case.
As the Good Things Foundation has highlighted, 10 million people across the UK lack basic digital skills. 1.5 million households have no internet access. 2 million struggle to afford the internet they have.
But digital inclusion is vital in a modern world. Research shows that having internet access improves health, happiness, and can uplift a household's income. It saves time completing fundamental tasks (including accessing healthcare information, banking, and job searches), and provides a lifeline to those isolated from their friends and family.
Digital exclusion is experienced widely and disproportionately by refugees and people seeking asylum in the UK. It remains a major challenge as they seek to rebuild their lives, stay in touch with family and friends, and get on in the UK.
People seeking asylum are provided with only £5.80 a day, and are dispersed around the country away from existing support networks. They are not allowed to work, which promotes boredom, loss of self worth, and exacerbates mental health issues. The provision of a device can be a lifeline in these circumstances, providing a chance for connection, meaning (for example, through enabling access to language learning and other training), and helping them get back on their feet when they are granted status.
Screen Share UK was founded to address a significant gap in support provision within the refugee support sector in the UK. We provide a specialist, environmentally-friendly solution at no cost to the recipient or partner organisation. It is widely understood that digital inclusion underlies a lot of other problems refugees experience as they build their new lives. We see the provision of a device as the starting point - not the finishing point - of refugee support. We are proud to be doing this work, gifting great devices to people so that they can reach their potential and live happier lives.
Compassionate communicators
You don't need to be an IT expert, an interest and general digital skill set will be enough.
Passion to help end poverty through teaching digital skills.
We are a boutique charity with less than 10 staff members. We rely upon a small army of wonderful volunteers to deliver our digital skills sessions. We also are looking for those who enjoy laptop repair and can support with refurbishing laptops ready to be re-used by refugees.
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Our Opportunities
By being a Digital Champion with Screen Share you will be providing fundamental digital skill support to asylum seekers and refugees in a relaxed and welcoming environment either online or in person.
