Borough celebrates digital initiatives ahead of Radically Digital Stockport strategy launch

With Greater Manchester hosting its Digital City Festival this week (7-11th March), Stockport Council are encouraging residents to make use of a number of digital initiatives in the borough to get online ahead of the launch of a new Radically Digital Stockport strategy.

As we emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic, the One Stockport Borough Plan challenges Stockport to become a radically digital borough. Stockport Council has since been working together with its partners, businesses and residents to develop Stockport’s Radical Digital Strategy, which sets out ambitions and priorities for digital across the borough. With the plan still in development, residents and businesses are also invited to share comments and feedback while it is drafted.

One priority is for Stockport to be a 100% digitally included borough where no one is left behind or faces inequalities due to their digital situation. Cllr David Sedgwick, Cabinet Member for Citizen Focus and Engagement, said:

“Being online and having the essential digital skills for everyday life and work is increasingly crucial but around 1 in 5 people in Stockport still have no or little access to the internet. As a council that puts people at the heart of everything we do, helping our residents to become digitally included is a priority to ensure no one’s left behind.

“We’re working with an alliance of partners from across all sectors. Together we’ve created a DigiKnow network that can help people who are offline or would like to improve their digital skills. These are local community groups who offer social, informal support, Digital Champions who offer one on one support, and organisations who can help you with data and devices to get online.”

In the lead-up to the launch of the Radically Digital Strategy, and with the Greater Manchester Digital City Festival now underway, there’s never been a better time to get online. The council is this week encouraging residents to make the most of DigiKnow and other initiatives to find out how to get help to get online or improve digital skills.

Starting Point DigiKnow computer classes. 
Friendly and informal classes that can help you get online and stay safe online. To book a class, email james@startpoint.org.uk or call 0161 494 9947. Classes run each week.

• Tuesdays 10.00 – 11.00, or 11.00 – midday, Start Point Coffee Shop, 4 Woodley Precinct, SK6 1RJ
• Tuesdays 14.00 – 15.00, or 15.00 – 16.00, York St Community Centre, Bengal Street, Edgeley, SK3 9HT
• Fridays 10.00 -11.00, or 11.00 – midday, Start Point Coffee Shop, 4 Woodley Precinct, SK6 1RJ

Get online at the right time.
Digital skills course for anyone eligible for work – to learn digital skills for work, help you find a job, or go on to further study. To book, email james@startpoint.org.uk or call 0161 494 9947.

• Thursday 10th March 2022 – 11:00 – 12:00, Cornerstone, 2 Edward Street, SK1 3NQ (Stockport Homes building)

Tech Club at Walthew House.
Make the most of assistive technology and set up your devices properly. Come along and share knowledge, support, and ideas with others. For more information, call George on 0161 480 2612 or email opsassistant@walthewhouse.org.uk.

• Thursday 10th March 12.30 – 15.30, Walthew House, 112 Shaw Heath, Stockport, SK2 6QS. (Tech Club meets the second Thursday every month)

Digital Help drop-in sessions at libraries.
Get help with general PC use, email, internet access, own devices and more.

• Monday 7th March 10.15 – 11.45 am, Cheadle Library, 23 Ashfield Road, Cheadle, SK8 1BB
• Wednesday 9th March 11.00 – 13.00, Bredbury Library, George Lane, Bredbury, SK6 1DJ
• Friday 11th March at 10.00 – midday, Bredbury Library, George Lane, Bredbury, SK6 1DJ

Support for all things digital.
Digital drop-in at Brinnington Leisure Centre. Get support for all things digital or just go and say hello! For more information call 0161 480 1211. Run by Age UK Stockport and Life Leisure with help from Sky Digital volunteers. For more information call Age UK Stockport on 0161 480 1211.

• Thursday 10th March 12.00 – 15.00, Brinnington Park Leisure Complex, Northumberland Road, Brinnington, SK5 8LS 

Community Online.
Do you need help to get online? New Learners welcome. Usually £2.00 per week but free during Digital City Festival week. 

• Tuesdays 11.20 – 12.20, Offerton Community Centre Mallowdale Rd Offerton SK2 5NX

A listing of digital Skills events on Stockport Council’s Events calendar and a list of community groups who can help can be found on the Stockport Local directory or at libraries throughout the borough.