DigiKnow put out call for new Digital Inclusion Alliance partners

DigiKnow, a network of community groups in Stockport established to get more of the borough’s residents online, is inviting more organisations to partner with the Digital Inclusion Alliance.

The Digital Inclusion Alliance was set up by Stockport Council in March 2018 to help the borough’s digitally excluded residents gain access to skills and confidence to get online.  28% of Stockport’s population make only limited use of the internet, and a further 13% do not go online at all, leaving them unable to access services and opportunities which have been digitised, a change which has been accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown.

The project has since helped over 8000 digitally excluded residents get online, and this year launched a digital device lending library for the borough, to provide free access to tablet and laptop computers, as well as data packages. Businesses are also encouraged to donate any old or unwanted technology to the library to help ensure the library can continue running.

In March, the organisation received £50,000 funding from the ‘Get Greater Manchester Digital’ Fund which are being used to extend DigiKnow’s community network further.

The Digital Inclusion Alliance is now looking to hear from any individuals, businesses or third sector organisations and groups who want to help tackle digital exclusion in Stockport.