More Than Just Tech – Karl’s Journey from Learner to Lifeline

When Karl first joined our Digital Health Days, he came along for the same reasons many do — curiosity, company, and the chance to learn something new. Diagnosed with a long-term illness, Karl was not just seeking support for himself; he was looking for purpose.

What he did not expect was to become the very support he once needed.

Karl is now one of our most valued digital health volunteers, offering 1-to-1 support that goes far beyond screens and settings. He understands first-hand the emotional hurdles that many older adults face when navigating the online world: the fear of making mistakes, the confusion of logging in, the overwhelming sense that they have somehow ‘missed the boat’.

Karl brings something powerful to our sessions — lived experience. He does not come with jargon. He comes with patience. He builds trust, breaks down barriers, and relates in a way that only someone who has been there truly can.

He has helped older learners realise they already are digital — they just did not know it. Whether it is banking, shopping, or using the NHS app, many already use smartphones for  everyday tasks. Karl’s role is to shine a light on those skills and help them translate to bigger devices with
confidence.

For Karl, supporting others is not about technology — it is about people. It is about sitting next to someone and showing them they are not alone. It is about creating a safe space to ask questions without shame, to try without judgement.

Our 1-to-1 support model makes this possible. It is why volunteers like Karl are the heartbeat of what we do. And it is why we are calling on others — individuals, community champions, and corporate partners — to get involved.

Because behind every tech breakthrough is a breakthrough in confidence.