Updated 20/01/2026

At the moment, the support we offer with regards work and digital skills is quite broad, but below helps you to understand what we can offer you or the people you support. If you are a frontline member of staff working with people who are looking for work, we would recommend that attend our 1hr online session called Digital Friends. Book yours free place HERE

Offer 1 – Support with the cost of connectivity 

We offer a raft of support to those for who the cost of being online – be that a device or accessing the internet – is a barrier to upskilling and getting into employment. This support is listed below: 

• The National Databank – Mobile SIM card distribution points that gift mobile data, minutes & texts to the recipient for between 6-12 months. Our databank drop in support is Thursday 10am -12noon Stopford House and Friday 1-2pm Bredbury Library.

• Social Tariffs – there are multiple Social Tariffs offered by Internet Service Providers, available to those on certain benefits, that hugely reduce the cost of having home/mobile broadband. Often these allow for affordable broadband to be installed in the house of those needing the internet to job search. Whilst affordable, the speed of these packages is limited and so using it to run a household’s internet usage isn’t advised.  You can access our advice sheet: HERE

Offer 2 – Support with the cost of a suitable device 

We offer a raft of support to those for who the cost of being online – be that a device or accessing the internet – is a barrier to upskilling and getting into employment. This support is listed below: 

• The Flexible Support Fund – offered by Job Centre Plus and is designed to help those needing assistance with the cost of applying for work, we can refer the individual and work with their work coach to access the Flexible Support Fund. This fund is designed to help with various costs but most of our work in this, is to help the individual we are supporting get a device of their own to use for job searching etc. 

• Community Computers Donations – through a partnership with a local charity, we can offer laptops, tablets & smartphones (all dependant on stock/availability) to those without one where it presents itself as a barrier to people getting online. These devices are gifted. This is decided at the discretion of Community Computers & Starting Point. 

• Lending Library – similarly to the Community Computers Donations, this is a device lending scheme that offers short, medium or long-term loans and is managed by Starting Point. The availability of devices does fluctuate but we can offer laptops, smartphones & tablet devices

• Our ‘Best value devices’ guide. Regularly updated, our guide shows our research into the best value devices from easily accessible venues in Stockport. We’ve included refurbished and second hand options. Customers should still do their own research and check that the information is correct and the device is right for them. Find this guide on our ‘Devices’ page.

Offer 3 – CDL Support Offer for 2025 – 2026

There is emerging support funded by CDL and will start towards the end of October 2025. It is something we are really excited to develop so please watch this space. For more information while this evolves contact claire@startpoint.org.uk

Offer 4 – Employment drop-in support funded by Stockport Homes 

Our digital skills drop-in sessions at Cornerstone and York Street are open to all and we have a member of staff and several Digital Champions on hand to support learners with individual queries. These range from help to write a CV, set up profiles and accounts on job websites, searching for jobs, uploading CVs and completing online application forms. Times are York Street Community Centre every Tuesday 2-4pm and Cornerstone every Thursday 10.30-12.30pm.

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Offer 5 – Your Starting Point for Learning and Support Hub – Woodley 

Starting Point’s Learning hub in Woodley is now open! We are inviting partners to come and use to offer their services from. It has a communal space, will have Wi-Fi, and will allow a community foothold in an area that is ranked 3^rd worst across the borough across employment metrics. For more information while this evolves contact nicola@startpoint.org.uk

Offer 6 – Stockport Libraries Drop-in Sessions 

Across the borough, we’re running Digital Champion–led sessions every week in community venues. These sessions offer really practical, person-centred support — helping people to build their digital skills, get online, and even access a suitable device if they need one. 

They’re not just for people who are job searching, but they do help with things like moving into employment, upskilling, or feeling more confident using digital tools at work. 

What’s powerful about this model is that its peer led. Many of our Digital Champions started out as learners themselves, so they really understand the challenges people face and that lived experience makes a huge difference in how they support others. 

Find out about all our Digital Skills sessions on our Skills page