Here is “Legendary-Phil” with Starting Point’s very own volunteering lead Clara. Phil is from Chelwood Foodbank Plus and has been a volunteer for 11 years. Pretty legendary!! 

 

At Starting Point, we have been involved with a number of activities to support local people in Brinnington to get online. Some more successful than others, but we know that what works is when you partner up fab organisations like Chelwood who are trusted within their communities. 

Phil  said: 

“The Databank held here makes an incredible difference. Ironically, not having money for data is a barrier to getting help when you don’t have any money. People have to show their UC diary to prove they are on benefits, they need data for that. Kids at school can’t do their homework, and get in trouble.

Brinnington is cut off, more than people think. Our customers can’t afford £2 for the bus to get into Stockport to ask for help. Being online makes life easier, and the Databank and Starting Point helps people do that.”

Nobody wants to say “we don’t have enough money for us to be on the internet “.

The Databank runs thanks to the great support of digital champion Leo every Wednesday. The digital champion volunteering hub is funded through The National Lottery Community fund and is part of the Digiknow network.

Like a foodbank but for mobile data, the Good Things Foundation National Databank provides free mobile SIM cards for people who can’t access the internet. 

Internet access is essential in today’s society, and yet 2 million households have no home internet, and 2.4 million can’t afford a mobile phone contract. This lack of access often affects vulnerable people facing other inequalities.

Bit by bit we are changing those outcomes for people in Stockport.