Every October, Get Online Week reminds us how important it is for everyone to have the skills and confidence to use the internet. In Stockport, our amazing Digital Champions have been leading the way helping residents with everything from setting up email accounts to navigating online forms and staying connected with family and friends.
But behind every friendly chat and cup of tea is something many people don’t see, the real time, effort, and dedication that our volunteers put in.
Over the past year (2024/25), Starting Point Community Learning Partnership supported 86 active volunteers across Stockport. Together, they gave an incredible 2,546 hours of their time.
If we were to put a value on those hours based on the Real Living Wage, that comes to over £32,000. That’s £32,000 worth of skills, kindness and community spirit given freely to help others get online and feel confident in a digital world.
It’s no wonder that 85% of our volunteers said they were satisfied or very satisfied with their experience as supporting others is incredibly rewarding.
This work, funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, is part of a much bigger picture the #Digiknow network, led by Stockport Council, Stockport Libraries, and Starting Point. Together, we’re tackling digital exclusion across the borough, making sure no one is left behind.
Our volunteers can be found in community hubs, food banks, and libraries all over Stockport, from RE:Dish and Cheadle Library to Hazel Grove Library and Chellwood Foodbank, and beyond. Wherever people need a bit of friendly support to get online, there’s usually a Digital Champion nearby and ready to help.
For many people, getting online isn’t just about convenience, it’s about independence. Being able to manage your bills, access healthcare, or keep in touch with loved ones can make a huge difference to everyday life.
Our Digital Champions don’t just share digital know-how; they build confidence and connection. The true value of what they do can’t really be measured in money, it’s measured in smiles, relief, and the sense of possibility that comes when someone realises, “I can do this.”
As we celebrate Get Online Week, we want to say a huge thank you to all our volunteers and partners across the #Digiknow network. They are the reason so many people in Stockport are able to take their first steps online, and every bit of progress counts.
If you’d like to find out more about volunteering, or how to get digital support in your area, you can contact clara@startpoint.org.uk or scan the QR code in our 2025 Impact Report above.
Together, we’re building a more confident, connected, and digitally inclusive Stockport, helping people to live well online.