The UK Catalyst Awards
Award finalists announced!25 worthy projects have been shortlisted in the Catalyst Awards and the winners will be announced on July 24th at a London ceremony.
We had more than 100 entries in total, proving that the web has evolved to enable a series of communities to find a voice and connect with each other.
From the disabled through to gypsy travellers and NHS patients, disparate groups are using technology as an enabler, allowing them to share experiences and skills, act for change, discuss issues and support one another.
The finalists include:
• The world’s first virtual disability nightclub
• Social networking for young gypsy travellers, carers of aged parents and users of mobility equipment
• The use of wikis - for young refugees and asylum seekers, and for enterprise policy makers
• Websites connecting young people with politicians, the NHS with patients and carers, residents with those in power
• X-factor voting technology being used for community decision making and consultation
• Using wireless technology to engage socially excluded young people
• Creative art and film projects
See the full list and, from w/c 7 July, vote for which you'd like to win the People's Choice award!
What is 'social technology'?
Social technology means any internet, mobile or gaming software that lets you connect and communicate with other people. Examples are text messaging, social networking (e.g. Facebook, MySpace, Bebo), blogging, and so on.
Who is behind the awards?
The awards were announced last July when Prime Minister Gordon Brown started the Council on Social Action.
The awards are sponsored by NESTA, National Endowment for Science, Technology and Arts and BERR, the government’s Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform.
They are coordinated by Make Your Mark, working with Polecat who help businesses and organisations measure their social impact and Colman Getty, a leading UK independent PR consultancy. The awards are supported by Unltd who support social entrepreneurs.