At a glance:

£10,000–£13,000 social value generated through 538 volunteer hours

238 digital sessions delivering

1,470 hours of learning

164 residents supported, with

6 people supported into employment

Improving access to online health, housing and employment services

A Year of Digital Impact at Stockport Homes

Over the past year, Senior Digital Inclusion Officer, Claire White, has continued to deliver Stockport Homes funded work to support local people to build confidence, improve wellbeing and develop essential digital skills through a mix of friendly taught classes and flexible drop-in sessions.

Below she reflects on the year.

From January to December 2025, the team at Starting Point have delivered 238 digital sessions, providing around 1,470 hours of learning across Arthur Greenwood, York Street, Cornerstone and Brinnington. During this time, 164 individual learners attended Stockport Homes Group funded sessions, with 1,470 total attendances across the year.

The sessions support residents with everyday digital tasks such as using smartphones and computers, accessing the NHS App, managing Universal Credit journals, applying for jobs and resolving online issues linked to housing, health and family life. For some, this support has been life-changing.

One learner, who was initially reluctant to attend, shared after receiving help with overwhelming phone notifications:

“I wasn’t going to come… I thought I’d just figure it out by myself. I’m delighted I came – it’s really helped. Look at me now, I’m so much calmer.”

Real Outcomes for Residents

Starting Point’s digital support is also helping people move closer to work. Six learners secured employment following support with online job searching, CVs and applications.

Another learner, Dave, came to sessions struggling with multiple job platforms and online accounts. After building confidence and independence, he returned to share his good news:

“I want to say thank you because I’ve got a job interview!”

For others, the impact has been about independence, confidence and health. Peter arrived with no digital experience at all and no access to a device. With patient support, he learned to use a tablet, then a smartphone and later a laptop, enabling him to manage medical appointments and prescriptions online.

“I didn’t think I was getting it at first, but I kept coming back,” he said. “Now I can manage things myself.”

Supporting Wellbeing and Connection

Starting Point sessions are also a safe and supportive space. During Mental Health Awareness Week, learners and volunteers shared openly about wellbeing and the role digital access plays in staying connected.

One long-term learner reflected:

“I’ve been coming for years, and it definitely helps my mental health.”

Another learner who joined a class after encouragement from a friend said:

“I’ve learned more in two weeks than I have in years.”

Volunteers are central to Starting Point’s success. In 2025:

As we showed above, 29 Digital Champions volunteered 538 hours of volunteer support were delivered 3 volunteers gave over 50 hours 1 volunteer gave over 100 hours

Using standard UK valuations, this contribution represents £10,000–£13,000 of social value. When combined with the value of learning hours delivered and the positive economic impact of residents moving into work, Starting Point continues to deliver meaningful benefits for the whole community.