Home library service calls for new users and volunteers

A popular home library service delivered by the Royal Voluntary Service and the Norfolk Library and Information Service is looking to expand in Reepham and throughout the county.
 

Photos: Royal Voluntary Service

 
A new digital inclusion programme is also being trialled, in which trained volunteers teach the service’s clients how to access critical information digitally and how to download books online.
 
The expansion means that the home library service is looking for new clients, volunteers and volunteer co-ordinators.
 
Volunteers work alongside their local library to select and deliver books and other media to those who find it difficult to leave the house or have mobility issues or caring responsibilities.
 
The service also provides regular, friendly social contact to check if clients are safe and well, to discuss reading and listening preferences, and to report any concerns to appropriate services as needed.
 
Volunteer co-ordinators liaise with local libraries, manage a network of local volunteers to arrange book deliveries, recruit new volunteers and build relationships with local community groups to promote the service.
 
As part of the new digital inclusion programme, digital service co-ordinators may offer their skills in workshops to train volunteers to use various devices, apps and programs that the service’s clients find challenging.
 
Alicia Stillman, service manager for the Royal Voluntary Service Norfolk Home Library Service, said: “For people who find leaving their homes problematic, the home library service offers a vital link to the local library and a welcome connection with a friendly face.
 
“The Covid-19 pandemic has shone a light on the significant number of vulnerable adults living in isolation.
 
“During the past two years, it has also become apparent that many socially isolated people were not able to access vital information due to digital illiteracy.
 
“Instruction on downloading eBooks, accessing GP and council services, and setting up videoconferencing can often be more easily explained in person, in an informal setting, one on one.
 
“Through the new digital inclusion programme, with the help of our dedicated volunteers, we hope to bring clients back to the activities they love, prevent further isolation, and provide companionship and support.”
 
To sign up to the Home Library Service, contact the Norfolk Library and Information Service on 0344 800 8020 or email, or contact Reepham Library direct on 01603 870474.
 
To sign up to become a volunteer or co-ordinator of the Norfolk Home Library Service, contact the Royal Voluntary Service HERE.
 
For further information about the roles, contact Alicia Stillman, Royal Voluntary Service Norfolk Community Service Manager, on 01603 397998 or email.
 
The Royal Voluntary Service is one of the UK’s largest volunteering charities with volunteers supporting the National Health Service and thousands of vulnerable people in the community.
 
The charity has delivered the NHS Volunteer Responders programme for NHS England enabled by the GoodSAM app with volunteers responding to more than two million requests for help and supporting with over 230,000 shifts at vaccination sites.
 
The charity has also worked in local communities through the coronavirus pandemic running home libraries, companionship support, home from hospital services and patient transport.
 
Its Virtual Village Hall provides live classes and tutorials on Facebook to promote well-being and keep people active and occupied through the pandemic.
 

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