We’ve been championing the best of the UK’s IT volunteers since Tech4Good Awards began in 2011. Now in our 5th year, the entries that we have received are, without exception, remarkable, and it’s heartwarming to discover the hundreds of people giving up their time across the country to ensure digital inclusion in unique and inspiring ways.
In 2014 Craig Oxley-Brookes won the first IT Volunteer of the Year Award, for his work helping older people get online in a fun, informal environment. In 2013 it was David Bennoson, who has been volunteering with the RNIB since 1971, and in 2012 Alison Crerar won for leading the development of IT Can Help in Scotland. Finally, in 2011 the Award went to Colin Crook, for running Silver Surfer IT taster sessions in sheltered accommodation for elderly people across the UK.
This year we have four fantastic finalists in the running for the IT Volunteer of the Year Award. In no particular order, we have Rachael Moat, Cecil Taylor, Dalton Brown and Jane Styles and Ole Constantine. Find out more about them here, including the hashtag you need to tweet to vote:
#T4GRachaelMoat is a musician and music teacher who volunteers once a week at Seashell Trust. Using her skills as a musician, educator and tech enthusiast Rachael has developed customised musical technology that’s helped countless students with profound and complex needs increase their independence and access greater stimulating activities.
#T4GCecilTaylor is a dedicated volunteer with ITCanHelp, visiting disabled people in their homes, day centres or residential accommodation to resolve computer problems and provide support and company. Through IT Cecil has broken down barriers and enriched the lives of the people he works with.
#T4GDaltonBrown volunteers at Access to Business, supporting unemployed disabled people as they get back into work, training and self-employment. A stroke survivor himself, Dalton learnt how to use adaptive, voice-activated software, and now inspires his clients to do the same.
#T4GJaneandOle have been volunteering with Wales & West Housing for over two years, helping older, disabled and vulnerable people get online. The pair travel miles, despite personal health problems, to provide 1:2:1 teaching and support to the residents of Nant Y Mor extra care scheme in Prestatyn, Denbighshire.
Visit the Finalists 2015 page to find out who made it to finals this year, and how you can vote for them to win the People’s Award. Don’t forget, any of our 27 finalists can win this Award, regardless of whether they win their category. You can tell us who you think should win by voting right here on the website, or by tweeting your chosen finalist’s unique hashtag. You can vote as many times as you like – and don’t forget to tell family, friends, colleagues and service users to vote, too. Voting closes 30 June 2015.
