Whether it’s smartphone, laptop or tablet, the charity’s volunteer team is on hand to help people overcome technological challenges and make the most of the devices they use every day.

The sessions are informal and friendly, with one-to-one support designed to make technology feel less daunting and more accessible.

Adrianne, Coordinator at Silver City Surfers, says the need for this support is starting to grow: “Essential services are increasingly moving online, and we’re really concerned about our older generation being left behind,” she explained.

“For people who haven’t had the opportunity to become familiar with technology, or who maybe aren’t lucky enough to have those around who can help them with the basics, they’re not able to access all the really important things that are now required just for daily life.”

Tackling this exact problem, the organisation runs sessions throughout the week at different locations across Aberdeen. People can simply drop in with their device and sit down with one of the volunteer tutors for individual support.

The sessions cover everything – from setting up an email address and learning the basics of using a device, to helping people stay in touch with friends and family through video calls.

“There’s no problem too small. There’s no silly questions here,” Adrianne said.

“It’s very relaxed and informal. Somebody can sit with you, have a nice chat and show you how to do things on your device that maybe no one has ever taken the time or had the time to show you how to do before.”

For Silver City Surfers, building digital skills and helping people feel more confident, independent and connected is an important part of their work. The benefits can also be felt in people’s personal lives – being able to make video calls, for example, can help people stay connected with family members who live further afield.

“We’re helping people keep in touch with their families and their friends, particularly if family are abroad,” Adrianne explained. “They can be using video to speak with their family and stay in touch, which makes such a difference.”

Volunteer tutor Paul sees first-hand how much difference a little bit of support can make: “People come along with their various technological problems – anything that you can call technological, I’ll have a look at it.”

For Paul, volunteering is about showing people that technology does not have to be something to fear, saying: “I show people that technology is nothing to be scared of, and that learning the knowledge will improve things massively for them.”

Paul began volunteering after finding himself with some spare time and wanting something meaningful to do. Having previously helped colleagues with technology at work, he discovered Silver City Surfers had volunteering opportunities and decided to give it a go.

His experience has shown him that digital exclusion can have a significant impact on people’s lives: “Not being in the technology camp can be quite isolating,” he said.

By helping people understand their devices, volunteers can help break down barriers and give people the confidence to participate more fully in everyday life.

“I get quite pleased with myself when I’ve helped someone achieve something new on their device,” Paul said.

He also mentions that volunteering is not a one-way learning experience: “Even though I’m doing the teaching, I do a lot of learning too. Whatever level of ability you are, you’ve always got something to learn whether you’re a tutor or a learner.”

Adrianne encourages anyone who may be having technological problems to consider dropping in to a session:

“Please don’t sit at home and struggle with a task that you’re trying to do online. If nobody’s shown you how to use technology then you’re not going to know, and that’s exactly what we’re here for.”

The organisation is also encouraging people who have technology skills and some spare time to consider becoming a volunteer tutor, as Adrianne says: “Our volunteers do such a great job. They make such a difference at all of our sessions.”

Through their friendly, one-to-one support sessions, Silver City Surfers is breaking down digital barriers and empowering people with the skills and confidence they need in everyday life. From accessing essential services to keeping in touch with loved ones, the charity is helping people feel more connected, confident and independent.

To find out more about Silver City Surfers, their weekly sessions and how to get involved as a volunteer tutor, visit their website at silvercitysurfers.co.uk or call 07799 371329 to enquire.

This article originally appeared in the September 2026 edition of ACVO News, our free monthly digital magazine for and from the the third sector in Aberdeen. Read the current and past editions, and sign up to our mailing list, at acvo.org.uk/acvo-news