Feeling connected: qualitative analysis of social and digital inclusion experienced by digital champion volunteers at Newcastle City Library

Abstract

This practice paper reports on qualitative research examining ‘digital champion’ volunteers at Newcastle City Library, focusing on their motivations for volunteering and the feelings of social and digital belonging they experience. The research identified four categories of motivators that resulted in successful volunteering, relating to individual, people, employment and environmental factors. Suggestions for tackling challenges are identified, in addition to key recommendations for successful value-added volunteer use.

Stakeholders’ views on volunteering in mental health: an international focus group study

“…Overall, these findings show an interest in using digital platforms as a resource for volunteering, which aligns with the views offered in previous literature 36 37. A qualitative analysis of social and digital inclusion, experienced by digital champion volunteers in Newcastle, reported four categories of motivations leading to successful volunteering, that is, the individual, people, employment and environmental factors 38…”

“…36 37 A qualitative analysis of social and digital inclusion, experienced by digital champion volunteers in Newcastle, reported four categories of motivations leading to successful volunteering, that is, the individual, people, employment and environmental factors. 38 The last theme illustrates that volunteering impacts us all, and describes the potential impacts of volunteering on patients, volunteers, mental health professionals, families and the wider society. The broader impact of volunteering beyond the aimed effect in patients has been earlier described in a systematic review that postulates that it is a public health intervention.…”