On October 15 2024, the Stockport Race Equality Partnership (S-REP) made a significant leap forward with the official launch of its Digital Inclusion Hub. This new initiative aims to empower Stockport's ethnically diverse communities (EDC’s) by equipping them with essential digital skills and fostering inclusivity. The launch coincided with both Black History Month and Get Online Week, underscoring the importance of digital access in today’s interconnected world.
The event kicked off with a round table discussion, with key remarks from local leaders like Cllr. Jilly Julian, Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources. Julian highlighted how initiatives such as DigiKnow, which assists residents in getting online, can have life-changing impacts for those who face digital exclusion. Reflecting on the role of community support in breaking down barriers, she emphasised, "The digital divide is real, and the difference it can make to somebody's life is powerful." Julian acknowledged the widespread fear and uncertainty people often have when navigating the online world, particularly in relation to fraud and security risks. She called on the community to spread the word about the Digital Inclusion Hub, describing it as a "welcoming space" designed to help people build confidence and gain access to a range of digital resources.
"The same thing that motivated me to get involved in political life—trying to reduce inequalities is what drives this project. There's a big digital divide, and closing that gap can unlock so much," Cllr. Jilly Julian.
She also pointed out that digital literacy not only connects people to essential services like healthcare and libraries but also fosters social inclusion and combats isolation.
Overcoming Challenges: A Road to Inclusion
Aba Graham, Founder and Chief Executive Director (CEO) of S-REP, addressed a reporter's question about the challenges of supporting marginalised groups through initiatives like the Digital Inclusion Hub. While acknowledging that obstacles do exist, Graham focused on the opportunities.
"The obstacles are many, but the opportunities are also very much there, "
She said, encouraging people not to be intimidated by challenges but to create spaces where learning and engagement can flourish.
Graham highlighted the importance of building inclusive spaces for marginalised groups, noting, "If we all put our hands together, if we all do what we need to do, I think we'll see change just around the corner." She emphasised that inclusivity and representation are central to the Hub's mission, which is designed to ensure that everyone, regardless of background, can benefit from digital literacy and engagement.
Community-Wide Effort: Building Skills, One Step at a Time
Felix Laryea Nortey, HEAD, HR STRATEGY AND COMPLIANCE behind the creation of the Hub, shared his personal experience with digital banking, which illustrated how small steps in embracing digital tools can have profound effects. He recounted his amazement when a friend taught him to process a cheque through his mobile phone, an experience that drove home the importance of digital inclusion for him. "I saw firsthand benefits of digitisation—it can be life-changing," Felix said. He called for community involvement, participation and sponsorship, pointing out that many people in Stockport's underserved communities rely solely on their phones for internet access, highlighting the need for the Hub's support.
The Hub is designed to cater for people at various skill levels, offering everything from basic digital literacy and know-how to more advanced support in navigating the complexities of online job searches, building CV’s, and preparing for job interviews. Felix stressed that the initiative is a shared responsibility, urging everyone to contribute their quota regardless of its shape or form in order to ensure the Hub’s success, and helping to create a digitally inclusive Stockport community.
Collaboration and Impact: Partners Driving Change
The success of the Digital Inclusion Hub also relies on collaboration with other organisations. Jim Gregg, GMCA-Programme Manager for the GM One Network, expressed his support for the initiative, offering assistance with any technical challenges that might arise. He emphasised the importance of making the Hub a safe space for digital engagement, particularly when it comes to online safety:
"In terms of advertising this space, it's as safe as we could make it in terms of people being able to access appropriate content and avoiding vulnerable sites. We’ve worked hard to restrict access to inappropriate material. It’s not totally foolproof but we’re confident that it’s secure and safe." Jim Gregg
This commitment to safety was echoed throughout the event, as participants stressed the need to protect those who are new to the digital world from online risks while ensuring they have the skills to navigate the internet effectively.
Helen Johnson, a representative from Stockport Council: A Digital Leader in Greater Manchester. She pointed out that the Hub's launch comes during an exciting time for digital initiatives across Greater Manchester, with Stockport leading the way in many areas.
"We're in the top three of the ten local authorities in Greater Manchester from a digital perspective," Helen Johnson.
Helen emphasised the importance of trusted, local spaces like the Digital Inclusion Hub, where people feel comfortable learning new skills.
She also highlighted Stockport’s collaboration with partners such as Cisco and their academy, which offers digital training and social value opportunities. The Hub’s "trusted place, local place" slogan reflects its commitment to providing a safe and supportive environment where residents can build confidence and enhance their digital skills.
Looking to the Future
As the Stockport Race Equality Partnership looks to the future, the launch of the Digital Inclusion Hub represents a significant step in its ongoing efforts to bridge the digital divide. The Hub will not only provide access to technology but also foster a sense of community belonging, reduce inequalities, and ensure that no one is left behind in this ever changing digital world.
Renuka Parmar, Digital Inclusion Project Officer, summed up the Hub’s vision: "It’s fantastic that we’re meeting communities we didn’t reach before. We just have to develop further and work together to see where we can add value. The future is bright
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