From Classroom to Community: Digital Marketing students empower rural communities at Techy Tea Party
Bridging the digital divide with heart and hands-on support, MSc Digital Marketing students from Newcastle University Business School brought their skills beyond the classroom by volunteering at a Techy Tea Party in Stannington Village Hall.
17 June 2025
On 4 June, four MSc Digital Marketing students from Newcastle University Business School—Kai Mitchell, Jess Moresby-White, Luke Whitfield, and Elle Scotson—volunteered their time and expertise as part of the Rural Digital Inclusion Project, a joint initiative between the National Innovation Centre for Rural Enterprise (NICRE), Community Action Northumberland and iNorthumberland, supported by partners including Commsworld.
The students participated in a Techy Tea Party at Stannington Village Hall, where they worked alongside residents to provide hands-on help with common digital challenges. From clearing email inboxes to downloading apps and boosting device performance, the students delivered practical solutions with professionalism, warmth, and empathy.
Kirk Dodds, Degree Programme Director for the Digital Marketing MSc, explained: “The Rural Digital Inclusion project is a great way for our students to share their talents, work with local communities, and help connect people through digital platforms. The opportunity to engage in intergenerational conversations and share experiences is incredibly powerful.”
Building confidence through connection
The Techy Tea Party was designed to create a relaxed environment where local residents could ask questions, seek advice, and grow more confident in using digital tools. The students helped demystify technology by offering tailored guidance, ensuring everyone—from digital novices to casual users—felt supported.
“It was a real pleasure to have MSc students and staff from Newcastle University Business School working alongside volunteers and guests,” said Sarah Best, Project Development Manager at NICRE, who was involved in organising and facilitating the initiative. “Elle, Jess, Kai and Luke were great at sharing their digital skills in an engaging and accessible way that built people’s confidence.”
The event also highlighted the importance of intergenerational social contact, which many attendees described as one of the day’s most enjoyable aspects. The Techy Tea Party buzzed with energy as students and community members shared stories and celebrated small victories in navigating the digital world.
A model for ongoing engagement
The success of the event is encouraging hopes for further digital support events involving Newcastle University Business School students. Feedback from attendees was unanimously positive, with many expressing an interest in repeat visits.
Elle Scotson, one of the student volunteers, said: “Volunteering as a Digital Champion has deepened my passion for community support. I’m eager to continue this work in a more regular role where I can build intergenerational relationships and help others feel more confident and connected.”
Elle has since signed up to volunteer long-term and will be taking part in further events this summer, continuing her commitment to rural digital inclusion.
Looking ahead–building on connections between higher education and the community
The Rural Digital Inclusion Project is a multi-year project running across Northumberland, and organisers are enthusiastic about expanding student involvement. The event has again demonstrated the power of partnerships between higher education and community initiatives to have a meaningful impact for both students and residents.