To mark the occasion, there’s a range of extra DigiKnow support. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to boost your digital skills for work, you’ll find:
- Free community digital support classes and drop-in sessions for one-on-one help
- Ways to reduce the cost of getting online, from free-to-use public computers and wifi, to free sim cards and low-cost tariffs, device loans or low-cost refurbished devices.
It’s all part of Stockport’s Live Well initiative, making Stockport a great place to live by building stronger communities, providing early help and support closer to home and helping people live happier, healthier lives.
Councillor Dan Oliver, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Public Protection
Digital confidence isn’t just about knowing how to use a device - it’s about unlocking opportunities. Whether it’s applying for jobs, accessing health services, or staying in touch with loved ones, being digitally included can help people live happier, healthier lives. This is at the heart of the Live Well approach.
Starting Point are the Live Well digital inclusion partner, funded by Stockport Council and Stockport Homes, to support learners across the borough through the DigiKnow programme:
- Free digital skills training
- A Device Lending Library - a lifeline for families facing financial hardship
- Free SIM cards for those who need them most
- Access to low-cost refurbished devices, through DigiKnow partner Community Computers
DigiKnow classes and sessions are powered by an incredible team of volunteer Digital Champions, who offer friendly, one-to-one support in welcoming community spaces to grow digital confidence and make everyday digital tasks feel less daunting.
Last week at Starting Point’s class at York Street Community Centre, for example, ten learners came along with a variety of digital challenges, from downloading and storing photos, to formatting documents in Microsoft Word, and completing ID checks on the NHS app. With the help of four Digital Champions, each person left feeling more confident and capable.
Want to learn more or get involved?
Running from October 20–26, Get Online Week is the UK’s biggest digital inclusion campaign, helping thousands of people every year. It’s part of Digitober, Greater Manchester’s month-long celebration of digital inclusion, innovation, and the region’s thriving tech sector.
For full details on all the support available in Stockport to help you get online, or if you’re inspired to become a volunteer Digital Champion and make a real difference in your community, visit Help doing things online.
Get Online Week Top Tips
Keep your passwords safe and simple to manage. Use a memorable phrase (e.g. “SunnyGarden!42”) rather than a short, tricky password. Don’t reuse the same password everywhere. Store them safely, either written down in a secure place, or using a password manager.
When you think about parental settings on kids’ devices, don’t forget TVs and Alexas in bedrooms. You can navigate to the TV's Settings menu, look for options like "Parental Controls" or "Security," and then create a PIN to block content based on rating, restrict app access, external chat features or block specific channels.
If in doubt, ask. Even the most tech savvy people have been caught out once in a while. If something seems too good to be true it probably is, so check with someone else and see what they think. If you have no one to ask, ask a Digital Champion. There are 9 Starting Point and 7 library sessions each week with digital champions ready to offer advice if you need it.
