Applications - Current Volunteer Opportunities

Digital Champion – Money Help

Do you enjoy helping people feel confident online?

In Barking and Dagenham, many residents want to learn or do more with the internet and their devices—whether that’s accessing Council services, booking GP appointments, keeping in touch with family and friends, or shopping safely. Some are also under real money pressure and need friendly, practical support to navigate online forms and trusted tools.

As a Digital Champion – Money Help, you’ll make a real difference. We’ll train and support you to help residents with everyday digital skills, complete some forms online and to signpost people who are struggling with money to the right help.

What you’ll do

• One‑to‑one or small‑group coaching on the basics: email, browsing, video calling, apps (NHS, My B&D), online safety, and problem‑solving (e.g., “let’s search for that together”).

• Guided form‑filling with residents (e.g., Council Tax Support, Council Tax Discretionary, Single Person Discount, Crisis and Resilience Fund Housing Payments), helping them save their progress, scan/attach documents and keep records. You will be supporting residents to complete their own applications, rather than completing them on their behalf.

• Money help through signposting: show people simple, non‑advisory budgeting tools (like MoneyHelper’s Budget Planner) and signpost/refer residents who have complex benefit or debt queries to specialist advice services such as Citizens Advice or Debt Free Advice.
• Motivate and reassure celebrate successes, encourage next steps, and connect residents to further learning or support in our Community Hubs.

Important: This role gives money guidance and digital support only. It does not provide regulated debt advice or recommend financial products. We’ll train you on boundaries and safe signposting. Your role is to provide digital support and general guidance, not to interpret eligibility or give advice on whether someone should apply.

You’ll be great at this role if you:

• Enjoy technology enough to show someone else (you don’t need to be an expert!).
• Are patient, a good listener, and non‑judgemental.
• Can explain things in simple, friendly language and adapt to different learning styles.
• Are willing to complete the Digital Champion Essentials course and Data Protection and Cyber Security training.
• Care about supporting people who are under financial strain and want to learn.

What you’ll learn with us

• How to coach adults one‑to‑one or in small groups.
• How to signpost safely for money issues.
• How to demonstrate useful online services and apps and solve problems together step‑by‑step.
• Practical skills for inclusive support (e.g., working with access needs, using clear language, accessible settings).

Time and place

• Where: Barking Learning Centre, Dagenham Library, or at our other Community Hubs.
• When: Flexible slots, which are appointment based.
• Commitment: We ask for at least 2–3 hours per week for at least 3 months (we can be flexible).

Training, support and benefits

• Training provided, including Digital Champion Essentials, online safety, data protection and money‑guidance boundaries.
• Ongoing support and supervision from the Volunteer Coordinator and library teams.
• Travel expenses reimbursed
• Experience that looks great on a CV (coaching, customer service, problem‑solving, community work).
• The joy of making someone’s day.

Ask a question / how to apply

Please email Hubsvolunteering@lbbd.gov.uk with “Digital Champion – Money Help” in the subject line. 

Please click here to apply.