Celebrating the people powering Stockport: Meet the Starting Point volunteers, turning coffee into digital confidence
Since 2009, Starting Point Community Learning Partnership has been helping people build skills, make connections and overcome digital exclusion across Stockport.
Powered by the profits from its community coffee shop, Start Point, and the dedication of an incredible team of community organisers and volunteers, the organisation breaks down barriers that stop people getting online. From providing affordable devices and data to helping people develop practical digital skills, they’re opening up a whole digital world for residents of all ages.
Starting Point believes in informal learning, creating welcoming and supportive spaces where people can build their confidence and digital skills at their own pace, close to home.
The success of that supportive approach is something volunteer Allen sees first-hand in Reddish:
“I’ve been volunteering for around 12 months and it’s really rewarding to see people’s skills and confidence grow. I recently helped an elderly man get to grips with a new laptop. He’s now so confident that he’s bought his wife a tablet and he’s got started on ringtones!”
Monthly digital champion training sessions empower volunteers to provide friendly, relatable peer support for people who may feel unsure about getting online.
Another volunteer, Maira, explains how she uses her passion for all things digital to help local people with day-to-day tasks – and more critical services.
“I believe passionately in digital inclusion. There’s a person I work with quite often who’s elderly and couldn’t use the app for his pacemaker, which sends regular signals to his medical team. With a bit of support, he’s cracked it and he comes back to see me often to learn more.”
Starting Point’s story is a powerful reminder that digital inclusion isn’t just about getting people online. It’s about creating connections, opening doors and building confidence; a conversation, click and coffee at a time. As Sophie, another volunteer, explains.
“I’m new to the UK, so I thought that volunteering would be a great way to meet new people,” she says. “It’s wonderful to help people use technology and it’s really helping my own communications skills!”
Across our borough, countless individuals are giving their time, sharing their skills and helping others to feel connected, supported and proud of where they live. We want to celebrate them.
Do you know someone who’s making a difference in your community? Help us tell their story by nominating them for #WeAreOneStockport.
Starting Point is a key partner of the DigiKnow digital inclusion network, led by Stockport Council. To find out more about DigiKnow, call the DigiKnow Helpline on 07724 217888 or visit DigiKnow: Help getting online – Stockport Council
Together, we’re celebrating the people who power Stockport – and showing what’s possible when we all play our part in creating One Stockport.
Meet the people powering Stockport.
