AbilityNet volunteer scoops Tech4Good Volunteer of Year Award

We’re delighted to announce that AbilityNet volunteer Pat Maskell is the Tech4Good 2021 Digital Volunteer Award winner. 

Pat is County Coordinator covering Cumbria. She has been in the role for 7 years, giving up her time to support older and disabled people by providing support, advice and training, and coordinating a small local team of volunteers to do the same. 

During Covid-19, Pat quickly pivoted to working remotely to continue to support clients and has embraced TeamViewer as a tool for delivering support

Do you have technical and personal skills to help others? Join our volunteers 

Using technology to transform lives

A picture of Pat looking into the camera. Her hand is rested on her chin.Pat has been involved in computers for over 25 years and is passionate about the power of tech to transform lives.

“I was absolutely delighted to receive the award not just for me but for all our other volunteers and the support of the Free Services Team,” said Pat.  

She added: “I love what I do and will continue as long as I can to assist our clients.”

Managers and clients praise Pat

Sarah Brain, Free Services Manager, AbilityNet, said: “I am so thrilled that Pat has been recognised with this award.  She has been the most amazing support before, particularly during the pandemic, to both the central team and her clients. 

She has the unique ability to connect with anyone and find an individual way to support them on their digital journey.  Well done, Pat!”

Previous clients include Iva, 85, from Muswell Hill, who was so impressed with Pat’s support she recommended AbilityNet to her friend.

Pat is part of our network of 300+ volunteers supporting people across the UK. She has been running a Crowdfunder to enable us to help others. 

If you or someone you know needs tech help, call our helpline on 0300 180 0028

 

Please note: calls to our helpline number cost no more than a national rate call to an 01 or 02 number and count towards any inclusive minutes in the same way as 01 and 02 calls, and AbilityNet does not receive any money from these calls

The impact of digital volunteers

The Digital Volunteer Award was hotly contested like all categories. Pat’s fellow finalists included Bernadette Bourgoin and David Mallory, both Digital Champions with Clarion Futures; Jordan Pearson who works at NatWest where she designs and develops Cora, the bank's customer-facing chatbot and Libby Swan, a Graduate Analyst at Barclays who is a digital volunteer for the platform Ethical Angel.

Digital champions have played a significant role during the pandemic, with a recent report by Citizens Online highlighting the difference they have made specifically to older people.  

How AbilityNet can help

  • Call our helpline. We’re open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm on 0300 180 0028.
  • Remote support We have a network of AbilityNet ITCanHelp volunteers who can help if you have technical issues with your computer systems.
  • We have a range of factsheets.
  • My Computer My Way. A free interactive guide to all the accessibility features built into current desktops, laptops, tablets and smartphones.

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