Stockport Council has been awarded a share of a £500,000 Greater Manchester fund to ‘Get Greater Manchester Digital’.
The aim is to equip more Greater Manchester residents with the digital skills needed for life and work and ensure that everyone in the city-region, whatever their age, location or situation, can benefit from the opportunities digital brings.
Councillor Kate Butler, Cabinet Member for Citizen Focus and Engagement says:
This is a fantastic opportunity to help more Stockport residents to become confident internet users. We want everyone to benefit from the digital revolution which can help people stay connected, save money, find new job opportunities and lead healthier, happier lives.
“We will be using our share of the funding to extend digital inclusion support in the community. As we move into our third year of DigiKnow activity we plan to expand our network further and reach new groups of residents who do not have digital skills but would like to learn.”
Stockport Council is committed to designing digital access to public services that is user friendly and inclusive to all. Helping Stockport residents to become digitally included has been identified as a priority and since 2018, when SMBC established a Digital Inclusion Alliance (also known as DigiKnow) with other like-minded local organisations, they have been helping residents to get online and to develop their digital skills and confidence.
This Alliance has grown to include 13 strategic partners, 35 community groups and organisations and many ‘Digital Champion’ volunteers who, between them, have already supported nearly 8,000 residents with digital skills training at community groups and venues such as libraries, Stockport Homes, Jobcentre Plus and Citizens Advice. There are more and more community groups who are helping to introduce people to the benefits of being online. Look out for the DigiKnow logo or search for digital skills in SMBC’s online directory Library staff can help with this too.
Image caption: DigiKnow: Helping Stockport get online.