The first flagship 'Digital Hub' for Greater Manchester opened today (16 June) in Edgeley, as part of a partnership between Sky and Age UK. 

Located in an old bank building on Castle Street, Edgeley, this hub will provide the Stockport community with access to digital devices and free Sky WiFi connection.

As well as providing an easy, communal space where residents can access the internet and other digital services, there will also be regular skills workshops, run by volunteers from Stockport Council, Age UK and Sky. 

The aim is to reduce 'digital exclusion', helping residents without internet access or awareness stay connected. 

As Cllr Jilly Julian said in a speech at the event, the hub will "give people the opportunity to connect with family and friends, monitor health outcomes, or find out what's happening in their local area".  

As well as devices and internet access, the hub will also feature digital skills workshops run by volunteers (Image - Zak Chowdhury/ Sky)

20% of Stockport's population is over 65; around 11,000 of these people lack access to the internet at home. 

According to Age UK, 40% of people over 65 across the country do not feel confident using a tablet device, largely due to a lack of digital skills and not having access to equipment and broadband.

The hub will be open to the public from 10am-3pm on Monday (19 June). Residents and hub visitors will be regularly consulted on opening hours, which may change with sufficient requests after around one month.  

Navendu Mishra, Member of Parliament for Stockport said: "I'm delighted that a Sky Up Digital Hub is opening in Stockport. 

"This will help reduce the digital inequality gap and give people greater confidence in using the internet. This is a welcome community initiative."

Margaret Brade, CEO at Age UK Stockport said: "We're excited to announce the opening of our new digital hub in partnership with Sky Up and DigiKnow. 

"We've worked with the amazing Sky volunteers and our local DigiKnow network for several years, helping people to gain the skills and confidence to get online safely and make the most of the services and opportunities available online.

"The greatest causes of digital exclusion are a lack of skills, a lack of trust, and not having a reliable internet connection. With the support of our partners and volunteers we can overcome all three. 

"We can't wait to welcome people to this great new space, with free-to-use technology and connectivity and an exciting new programme of informal training sessions."

The new Digital Hub is at 2 Castle Street, Edgeley (Image - Alasdair Perry)

Councillor Mark Hunter, Leader of Stockport Council, said: "This new community hub is exciting news for Stockport and a fantastic free resource for residents. 

"Stockport Council is delighted to support this collaboration between our local voluntary sector and business community, working together as partners to build a better future for everyone. 

"We want everyone in Stockport to benefit from digital, and our DigiKnow network is working to ensure no one faces inequalities because they lack the skills, devices or data to get online. 

"We're very grateful to Age UK Stockport and Sky for their investment in this hub to help those most at risk of being digitally excluded."

Fiona Ball, Sky's group director for Bigger Picture & Sustainability said: "Sky is focused on helping people in Stockport unlock new opportunities with tools, skills and programmes that we provide through our new Digital Hub. With our partners, we are committed to tackling digital inequality, empowering people to get online and fulfil their potential."

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