Deaf Parenting UK wins TalkTalk Innovation in the Community Awards
Deaf Parenting UK, a unique charity run by deaf parents for deaf parents, has received a TalkTalk Innovation in the Community Award at a ceremony at the House of Lords.
The TalkTalk Awards, run in partnership with UK digital inclusion charity Citizens Online, called for submissions from non-profit organisations and charities in the UK. The Awards specifically focus on helping organisations to get the best out of technology. Deaf Parenting UK was one of 30 of the UK’s most exciting charity projects chosen to win one of the awards.
Like the other winning organisations, Deaf Parenting UK will receive a grant of £2,000 to help fund its particular project. The Awards have been designed to help groups make the most of the internet by encouraging applications for investment in PCs, hardware, software or technical expertise.
Deaf Parenting UK will use its grant to upgrade the current website to allow for users to share experiences. They will also install webcam and videocam technology to allow for faster live chat communication and emailing of sign language messages.
Asif Iqbal from Deaf Parenting UK commented: “We are thrilled to win this award as it will enable us to implement our project and benefit many more people than would otherwise have been possible. It’s a real boost to everyone here and we’re grateful to TalkTalk for this support.”
“As technology becomes an increasingly important part of our lives we are conscious that not everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the benefits it brings,” said Wendy Becker, TalkTalk managing director.
“The TalkTalk Innovation in the Community Awards assist organisations who are delivering real benefits to the community and could do even greater work if they were given a helping hand with technology. We had applications from groups that supported disability, protected the environment, assisted the disadvantaged, championed cultural integration and promoted education. Of the 2,200 exceptional entries, we believe we have selected 30 very worthy projects that will benefit from the grant.”
Dotcom entrepreneur Martha Lane-Fox, who was a celebrity judge for the awards, said: “It was a great privilege to be part of the TalkTalk awards – I have been amazed at the variety and scope of the projects entered. As you can imagine, the judging was quite heated but one thing shone through all the winning charities – their passion. As someone who has been lucky enough to start my own businesses, I know the hard work and focus that is needed to make an idea successful – I am delighted that the winners will get recognition for their dedication and risk taking, without which the world would be a much less inspiring place!”
John Fisher, Chief Executive, Citizens Online said: “The Awards are helping us continue our work in encouraging people to make the most of the internet and opening up access for all.”
The full list of winners of the TalkTalk Innovation in the Community Awards:
Work & Training
Live IT Sidekicks, Glasgow
209radio, Cambridge
Aspire, London
Unique Social Enterprise, Newark
UCanDoIt, London
Cambridge Online, Cambridge
Screenreader.net, Peterborough
Creativity & Culture
Somerset Film, Bridgwater
PhotoVoice, London
Bankie Talk, Glasgow
MusicLinks, Kendal
Street Level Photoworks, Glasgow
RSPB, Glasgow
StreetVibes Youth, London
Learning & Knowledge
Connection at St Martin’s, London
Bullying UK, Harrogate
BRfm Community Radio, Nantyglo
Deaf Parenting UK, Croydon
Disabled Holiday Information, Oswestry
Pictured: David Pagliari, Marketing & Strategy Director from TalkTalk, Nicole Campbell Deaf Parenting Co-coordinator, Asif Iqbal, Media and Project Manager and Lord St John of Bletso from Citizens Online.
