14 September 2011

Computer assistance volunteer network, IT Can Help, has become part of e-accessibility charity, AbilityNet - the UK’s leading expert authority in digital inclusion for people with disabilities.

Formerly the responsibility of BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, IT Can Help’s 250 strong volunteer network provides free IT support to nearly 2000 disabled people each year in the comfort of their own homes, or at residential or day care centres.

Launched as a pilot in 1994 covering three counties, IT Can Help has developed into a UK-wide service providing hands-on support for most computer related problems including installation and set up, as well as hardware, software, internet, email and accessibility settings.

IT Can Help will join AbilityNet’s existing volunteer programme - IT4Communities - which supplies professional IT consultancy to third sector organisations.

AbilityNet CEO, Nigel Lewis explains: ‘We are both delighted and excited to welcome IT Can Help to our volunteering programme portfolio. Developing opportunities for volunteers is a core commitment of the Charity and IT Can Help’s innovative approach and exemplary track record will further enhance our activities in this area.’

The involvement of BCS members as both IT Can Help organisers and volunteers has been critical to the success of the initiative and will continue to be a key element in its development going forward.

Bob Twitchin, Chair of the IT Can Help Management Group says: ‘The work and objectives of AbilityNet and IT Can Help are well matched with our joint aim of delivering free computer support to disabled people. People who are home-based, with sensory impairments or with restricted mobility often depend on computing and the internet for communication and social inclusion, but frequently encounter technical difficulties which are hard to solve independently. This is where IT Can Help provides a vital service. I am excited by the opportunities to develop the work of our volunteers and the services we offer to disabled people as part of AbilityNet.’

David Evans, Membership Director at BCS adds: ‘Volunteering within the community is, we believe, an important part of professional life. This move to AbilityNet, an organisation with close ties to the Institute, will provide the right environment for the next phase of growth for IT Can Help. It will also improve and expand the opportunities for IT professionals to contribute to their communities as volunteers. We look forward to continuing to work together in this new arrangement, which we believe will give this important work greater reach, impact and profile.’

Learn more about the work of IT Can Help

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