Community Computers host Tea and Tech event to help more people in Stockport get online

Community Computers, part of Stockport’s DigiKnow network helping people get online, are hosting a special Tea and Tech event as part of Get Online Week.

Get Online Week takes place 17th to 23rd October, and the theme is ‘Try One Thing’, aiming to get people online for the first time, improve their digital skills and get motivated to learn more.

‘Tea and Tech’ on Friday 21st October, gives people the opportunity to explore getting online, try out devices and online services and, with the support of Starting Point Community Learning Partnership, access 1-1 support on becoming digital.

Residents and businesses with surplus and unwanted tech are also welcome to come on down and donate their goods to Community Computers, find out more about going green and doing more for the environment.

Cllr Malcolm Allan, Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources at Stockport Council, said:

“This event is a fantastic example of DigiKnow partners working together towards our aim of getting everyone in Stockport digitally included. By refurbishing donated devices, Community Computers not only make it more affordable for people on low incomes to get online, but they also reduce the amount of electronic waste going to landfill. The digital skills support provided by Starting Point is invaluable to give people the confidence and skills to take those first steps getting online. If you’ve been hesitant about getting online, this is a great opportunity to try one thing.”

Tea and Tech will take place 1pm to 4pm on Friday 21st October, at Refresh Café, inside Renewal North West, 61-63 Shaw Heath, SK3 8BH, with the following agenda:

• 1pm Talk: ‘How to be more green with your tech waste’. Hear all about going green and learn about the data security in place. Seeing the hard drive destruction process first-hand provides reassurance that any donated goods are processed securely and with certification.
• 2pm Talk: ‘Why going digital can make all the difference’. Learn more about getting online and hear about the support available to access digital services and improve your digital skills from Starting Point, who offer free basic digital skills training throughout Stockport.
• All afternoon: Troubleshoot your digital issues and access 1-1 digital support (offered on a first come basis).

Chris Bennett, Digital Inclusion Project Manager at Renewal North West said:

“We are looking forward to inviting residents and businesses to our open event, where we can make a positive, social impact in people’s lives by helping them gain access to affordable technology. We also want to share with you what you can do to help protect your data and will be troubleshooting key issues regarding data security.”

Community Computers exists to tackle digital exclusion, unemployment and e-waste through repairing and refurbishing donated tech. 1 in 5 people in Stockport have little or no access to the internet, many of whom are on a low income or unemployed.  It is estimated that 1 in 3 of those digitally excluded lack access to digital equipment.

One resident who has benefitted from a refurbished device said:

“It’s incredibly helpful… It’s enabled me to complete an online course that otherwise I would have struggled to do. It will enable my older school child to get any computer or online schoolwork done. When I try to return to work later this year, when my youngest starts school, it will be a big help then, as for health reasons, I may end up needing to work from home or be computer/internet based which would not be possible without this laptop. It’s a big weight off my shoulders.”