WIREDGOV

The first ever UK Technology4Good Awards were launched recently at an event in BT Tower, to celebrate and share the success of individuals and organisations that use computers and the internet to help make the communities a better place.

Nominations are open in seven categories:

Supported by BT and organised by AbilityNet, these unique awards bring together charities and businesses whose work enables people to improve their lives through the use of IT. With additional support from Adobe, Charity Technology Trust, IT4Comunities, Microsoft, RaceOnline2012 and UK online centres, each award has its own entry requirements offering opportunities for businesses, charities government and individuals to shine.

Nigel Lewis, Chief Executive of AbiliyNet, said: “We know that many people are using computers and the internet to do good in their communities. This includes charities, businesses, community groups, schools and volunteers. We have set up these Awards to celebrate their hard work and will be working with BT and our other partners to showcase the best examples and inspire other people to give it a try themselves.”

Guests gathered at BT Tower for the launch of the Awards heard from a busy blind person who explained how their smart phone helps them run their life, a community volunteer who uses technology to help marginalised artists, and from Kim Wood at Blackpool CSV, a UK online centre bringing together local partners and volunteers to make IT make a difference to local people.

Kim said: “Sometimes with all the statistics, targets and numbers we forget about the true social need of the work we do, and the impact on individuals lives and communities. That’s where these Awards will come in.”

If you’ve got a story, a project, a fantastic volunteer or a wonderful learner, please enter the Technology4Good Awards at http://www.technology4goodawards.org.uk/. Entries close 5pm, 9 May 2011.

Twitter: #t4gawards
Facebook: Atech4goodawards