Starting Point Community Learning Partnership

💙 Behind every digital session is a person with their own story.

Julie came to Starting Point looking to build her confidence and strengthen her digital skills as she prepared to return to work. As Julie starts her new job, her journey is a reminder that digital inclusion isn’t just about technology – it’s about creating opportunities, building confidence and helping people move forward.

We’re proud to have been part of Julie’s journey. 🌟

📖 Read Julie’s story below and see the difference that patient, friendly support can make. https://startpoint.org.uk/2026/06/04/bridging-the-digital-divide-supporting-julies-return-to-work/

Our digital job clubs run weekly in Woodley Tuesday 10-11.30am and in Offerton Thursdays 1-2pm kindly supported by CDL Software

Bridging the Digital Divide: Supporting Julie’s Return to Work Julie first connected with our service through her husband, Paul, who had been attending one of our sessions. After over 35 years in retail roles, she found herself looking for work in an unfamilia…

📅 What’s coming up at Starting Point this week?

Looking for help with technology, getting online, applying for jobs or simply wanting to build your confidence with digital skills? We’re here to help! Please share with someone who might want to get involved.

From our Community Computer Sessions and Digital Job Club to DigiDots, Console Club and friendly drop-in sessions across Stockport, there’s something for everyone.

💻 Friendly support with phones, tablets and laptops
📶 Free mobile data through the National Databank
👶 DigiDots for parents and toddlers
🎮 Console Club for young people aged 10–14
🤖 Google AI Professional Certificate
💼 Help with job searching and CVs

No question is too small – whether it’s learning something completely new or simply asking, “Help! What is this?” our friendly team and volunteers are here to help.

All sessions are FREE and everyone is welcome.

📞 07724 217888
📧 [email protected]

Please share with friends, family and neighbours who might benefit. Together, we can help more people become happier, healthier and better off through digital inclusion. ❤️

🌟 What a week at Starting Point!

Behind every number is a person gaining confidence, learning something new and becoming more connected.

You can see the number of people we supported below. In total, we helped people access £1,315 worth of equipment and free data.

But our favourite part is hearing the stories behind the statistics...

💬 "We are so happy we have this session to come to and say 'Help! What is this?' Today we heard about some trouble in a city where our son is at a conference. It was very reassuring to search on Google Maps to check his area was safe."

💬 "When I've had help with the NHS App, I'd like to learn how to do QR codes and get the apps for Lidl and Tesco. I think you can help me save some money!"

💬 "I've downloaded ChatGPT and I'm going to use it to help me write a complaint letter."

💬 "I learned something completely new today – how to compress a file."

These are the moments that remind us digital inclusion isn't really about technology. It's about confidence, independence, staying connected and helping people live happier, healthier and better-off lives. Thank you to everyone who attends our sessions, volunteers their time and supports our work. ❤️

Aged 10 upwards? Free after school today? Enjoy gaming? Console Club is back today in Woodley. Join us at the hub: 87 Hyde Road, Woodley, SK61RJ

(adult registration required for first visit) get in touch to get involved. Please share.

Another busy week ahead as we welcome back DigiDots this morning and Console Club after school on Wednesday. We support people of all ages with questions around tech. Please share with someone who might benefit from getting involved

Over the past week, 62 people accessed support through Starting Point, whether that was learning new digital skills, getting online, improving confidence, or accessing affordable technology and data.

We’re particularly pleased to see feedback like:

⭐ “Very helpful and I understood everything you said.”
⭐ “This has been very helpful.”
⭐ “I feel more confident.”

A huge thank you to our volunteers, partners and supporters who make this work possible. Together, we’re helping people access opportunities, stay connected and thrive in an increasingly digital world.

Delighted to welcome Sector 3 - Stockport next week. They are offering brilliant support to voluntary & community groups. Get in touch with them to book a slot next Monday afternoon 😊

📣 Voluntary & Community Group Support Surgeries: BREDBURY & WOODLEY

We are out on the road again and will be visiting locations across Stockport to offer fully-funded support and guidance for your Voluntary & Community Organisation.

Book a 30 minute slot to chat to the team about funding, volunteer management, governance, orgnaisational structure, impact reporting and more.

Next stop: Bredbury & Woodley!
Monday 8th June
1pm - 3pm
at Starting Point Community Learning Partnership

➡️ https://ow.ly/fE8r50Z5yhK

🌟 Volunteers’ Week is the perfect time to celebrate the incredible people who make Starting Point what it is. 🌟
Since November 2025, our amazing volunteers have:

💙 Supported 55 people through our Tea & Tech training sessions
💙 Helped us train 14 new Digital Champions
💙 Seen 10 volunteers move on to employment or further study
💙 Successfully avoided throwing any phones out of windows
💙 Created countless smiles, friendships, and moments of confidence along the way

Behind every number is a person who has given their time, patience, skills and encouragement to help others feel more connected in an increasingly digital world.

Whether you're helping someone send their first email, access vital services online, apply for a job, or simply build confidence with technology, your contribution matters.

Thank you to every volunteer who gives their time to support our communities across Stockport and Greater Manchester. We couldn't do it without you. ❤️

💙 Celebrating Our Digital Champions This Volunteers’ Week

As Volunteers’ Week begins, we want to say a huge thank you to every one of our incredible Digital Champions.
Since November 2025, 104 active volunteers have generously shared their time, skills, patience and encouragement to help people across Stockport gain confidence online. Whether it's helping someone access essential services, apply for work, stay connected with loved ones, or simply feel less isolated, our volunteers make a real difference every day.

Together they have contributed:
⭐ 520 hours volunteering directly with Starting Point
⭐ 216 hours supporting partner organisations
⭐ The equivalent of at least £9,899 worth of time and skills donated

Behind every hour is a person who chose to help someone else. A learner who completed an online form, gained a new skill, got connected to the internet, or felt more confident using technology because a volunteer was there to support them.
To all of our Digital Champions – thank you for your kindness, dedication and belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to benefit from the digital world. We couldn't do what we do without you.

👏 Please join us in celebrating and thanking our volunteers this week.

💙📱💻

What’s on this week. Drop in to get involved. DigiDots and Console Club start again next week after the school holidays☀️☀️ All sessions are free and everyone is welcome.

📞 07724 217888
📧 [email protected]

Please share this post with anyone who may benefit from a little digital support this week.