Last Friday, we brought together Digital Champions, staff and partners to celebrate something really special.
Not just an event, but three years of people giving their time, patience and expertise to help others feel more connected, confident and included in an increasingly digital world.
The room was full of stories, laughter, reflection and a genuine sense of pride. We heard from volunteers, partners and champions who have seen first-hand the difference that digital support can make. Whether helping someone access healthcare online, apply for work, stay connected to family, or simply feel less intimidated by technology, every volunteer in the room has played a part in changing lives. One of the highlights was hearing from volunteers and partners about the impact they see every week. It was a reminder that digital inclusion isn’t really about technology. It’s about confidence. Independence. Opportunity. And making sure nobody gets left behind.
A Huge Thank You
The event was also an opportunity to recognise the incredible work of Clara, who has spent the last three years building and supporting our volunteer network funded by the National Lottery.
From welcoming new Digital Champions to creating opportunities for people to learn from one another, Clara has helped build a community that is welcoming, supportive and full of people who genuinely care about making a difference. Several speakers reflected on the legacy she leaves behind and the strength of the volunteer community she has helped create. The atmosphere throughout the event reflected everything that is great about Starting Point: kindness, community, collaboration and lots of enthusiasm.
Looking Back at What We’ve Achieved
The event gave us an opportunity to reflect on the impact of the National Lottery funded Digital Champions programme and the thousands of conversations, learning opportunities and acts of support that have happened along the way.
The stories behind the numbers are what matter most:
- People gaining the confidence to access NHS services online.
- Residents learning how to manage benefits, banking and essential services digitally.
- Jobseekers creating CVs, applying for work and attending interviews.
- Older people feeling more confident using smartphones, apps and online services.
- Communities becoming more connected through local support and volunteer-led learning.
Every week our volunteers help turn frustration into confidence and isolation into connection. That impact reaches far beyond the sessions themselves. You can read the full end of project report here.
What Happens Next?
One of the most important messages from Friday was simple:
The work isn’t going anywhere.
While some things will look a little different, our commitment to Digital Champions and the people we support remains as strong as ever. Over the coming months:
- LearnWorlds will remain available for Digital Champions who want to continue their learning and development.
- Monthly Tea and Tech and Lunch and Learn sessions will continue.
- Our weekly newsletters, guides and resources will continue to be produced and shared.
- Staff will continue to be present in all of our sessions.
- Day-to-day support will become more localised, with staff in each session acting as key contacts for volunteers, supported by WhatsApp groups to keep everyone connected.
- We are looking forward to welcoming some new faces to the team before Christmas.
- We’ll be increasing our outreach work to reach people who may not currently access our services.
- We’ll be expanding support for people looking for work.
- We’ll be developing even more support around digital health, helping people manage appointments, access online services and use technology to support their wellbeing.
Most importantly, Digital Champions will remain at the heart of what we do.
Thank You
Friday reminded us that while technology changes quickly, people remain at the centre of digital inclusion.
Every volunteer who has given up an hour, shared some knowledge, offered reassurance or simply sat alongside someone who needed support has helped create something remarkable.
Thank you for everything you have done over the last three years.
We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together.
And we’re even more excited about what’s next.
