Alex Cunningham, MP for Stockton North, is calling on constituents to vote for Port Clarence Community Resource Centre for the TalkTalk Digital Heroes Awards 2012, a unique competition that recognises and rewards inspirational people who are using technology to benefit local communities. Run in partnership with the Daily Mirror, charity Citizens Online and supported by Go ON UK, the scheme is now in its fifth year and has provided funding and support to 49 organisations across Britain.
This year, Hugh McShane has been shortlisted for his work in running Port Clarence’s Community Centre. The initiative is part of Know How North East, a social enterprise which helps people in disadvantaged communities such as Port Clarence. The Community Resource Centre, located in a room next to the village Post Office, provides internet access to people who do not have it at home and has presented a digital solution to local unemployment issues, giving people access to training and helping them to help themselves.
After calling for entries from across the UK, TalkTalk has shortlisted the three most deserving projects for each region but now it’s over to the public for their say. For each region of the UK, the entry with the most votes will be awarded £5,000 to enhance their digital projects, with one overall winner getting £10,000. Votes can be registered online at http://www.talktalk.co.uk/digitalheroes/, with voting being open until Sunday 18 November 2012.
Alex said:
“I am delighted Hugh McShane has been shortlisted for this year’s Digital Heroes Awards. This is a great scheme which recognises the people who have championed the use of digital technology for the benefit of their local communities.
“Port Clarence Community Resource Centre is a fantastic organisation, working hard to help local people get online and use internet resources to improve their chances at employment. I would like to congratulate Port Clarence Community Resource Centre for its success so far, and I encourage my constituents to vote for Hugh as the Digital Hero of the North East.”
