News National Awards for alternative IT crowd

An alternative IT crowd met yesterday in London at a special Awards Ceremony for people who’ve got to grips with technology and used it to change their lives.  

The UK online centres Awards weren’t for IT nerds, but for those who’d overcome their own fears or personal barriers to use technology to achieve something amazing – from finding a new lease of life online to finding a new job after years out of work.  They were also for top UK online centres and staff, who help people of all ages and abilities find their way around computers and the internet and achieve whatever personal or professional goals they set themselves.  

Twenty-seven winners were whittled down from hundreds of nominations by a judging panel including representatives from Intel, Ofcom, Becta and the Learning and Skills Council.  They included individuals from 18 to 80 year olds, centres from across England and staff or volunteers who went above and beyond the call of duty to make technology work for different people and communities.  

UK online centres staff, volunteers and visitors gathered together with representatives from the worlds of technology, education and skills in Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre.  The audience heard speeches from new Digital Inclusion Minister Paul Murphy MP, and supporting celebrity Andrea McLean, who between them handed out the Awards.  

Speaking at the ceremony, Paul Murphy MP said:  “Computers and the internet can open up whole new worlds, and getting the skills and support to use them at places like UK online centres really can change lives for the better.  For some people here today learning about technology hasn’t just been useful, it’s been a lifeline, and for me it’s been further proof digital inclusion is now a necessity rather than an option.”  

Andrea spent much of the afternoon chatting to winners about their experiences.  She added:  “Today we celebrated the personal achievements and milestones of some amazing individuals, and the very dedicated people who have supported them.  Ordinary people doing extraordinary things deserve recognition, and that’s what the UK online centres Awards were all about.  I’ve met some really inspirational people, and I’m delighted to have been here to share their day.”

Lukas Windrow, just 18, picked up the overall Inspirational Story Award at the Ceremony.  Being deaf in one ear meant he’d had a hard time keeping up at school, and a harder time being bullied about his disability.  When he left he divided his time between sleeping and drinking.  Things began to change when he found his way into the CBED UK online centre in Liscard.  His confidence grew with his ICT skills, and he was asked to try helping others use the computers as a volunteer.  Now Lukas is doing just that at the internet café in Birkenhead YMCA where he lives.  

Helen Milner, Managing Director of UK online centres and one of the Awards judges explains:  “Luke is a perfect example of what we wanted to celebrate, and he’s a real star story for digital inclusion.  With technology and the support of his UK online centre, he’s managed to turn his life around 180 degrees.  He’s got numerous certificates under his belt, is working towards an ICT qualification and planning a future working in computer administration or web design.  What’s more, he’s no longer embarrassed to talk about his disability, or to ask people to repeat themselves.”  

As well as his Award, Lukas also won a laptop computer from Intel, and a £1,000 grant for his centre.  He says:  “I was just happy that UK online centres were helping me get qualifications so I could get a good job – for them to then say I deserve an award was just amazing!  When I think about how things were less than a year ago – I could barely get out of bed before lunchtime.  Now, I have qualifications and I know exactly what I want to do with my life.  UK online centres have helped me in so many ways – I get up early, I’m off the drink, and I want to help other people to do the same.  I’m determined to push myself to the limit, and beyond.  I know I can do it.”

For more information on this press release or about the UK online centres Awards and Award winners, please contact Abi Stevens – This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , 0778 666 0689.