Stephen Metcalfe, local MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, is
calling for local groups to enter the TalkTalk Digital Heroes Awards 2013, a
unique competition that recognises and rewards people who are using technology
to help their communities.
The awards, now in their
sixth year, have provided funding and support to 62 organisations across
Britain, including various charities which have used technology to help
children and youth, the homeless and people with disabilities.
The awards, run in
partnership with the Daily Mirror and charities Citizens Online and Go ON UK,
aim to recognise inspirational people who use technology to benefit their local
community. Twelve winners, one from each region of the UK – voted for by the
public – will each get £5,000 to enhance their digital projects, with one
overall winner getting £10,000.
In addition to the main
awards, Martha Lane Fox will present a special award for the Young Digital Hero
on behalf of Go ON UK, a charity she chairs which aims to make UK the world’s
most digitally connected nation. The top prize is £4,000 for their chosen
charity and an Apple MacBook Air.
Commenting on the awards,
Stephen Metcalfe MP said: “Digital technology plays an increasingly important
role in our society, helping to improve people’s lives and encourage the growth
of local businesses. Digital Heroes is a wonderful initiative which recognises
the people who have worked hard to champion digital technology and made a
difference to their community.
“I hope that projects in
South Basildon and East Thurrock will be able to benefit from this year’s
scheme and I would encourage local groups and individuals to enter the
competition.”
The awards are now open for
submissions at www.talktalkdigitalheroes.co.uk
and the deadline for entries is August 14, 2013.
