I spent the morning surrounded by amazing UK based innovators at the 2008 Catalyst Awards. The Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, congratulated people who are using social technology projects for the benefit of their communities.
Speaking at the event in central London, Gordon Brown said:
“Our thriving third sector continues to find innovative ways to tackle issues. We are creating a new generation of activists, campaigners and social entrepreneurs who are showing us just how the newest of technologies can help solve some of the oldest of challenges, building a more just society and better, stronger communities.”
The winners of the first UK Catalyst Awards are:
The Community Award – Savvychavvy – a social networking site for young gypsy travellers, giving them a voice and the opportunity to change the way their community is perceived
The David and Goliath Award – Liftshare – an online car-sharing system, enabling more efficient use of car journeys and cutting CO2 emissions and congestion
The Chalk & Cheese Award – FreqOUT! – a programme that combines wireless technology and emergent arts/education projects, and works to engage socially excluded young people
The Enterprise Award – Slivers of time – a web-based employment solution, allowing people to find bits of work which they can do in between unpredictable commitments in their life, such as childcare, starting a business or studying
The Revolutionary Award – Wheelies – the world’s first virtual disability nightclub. Based in SecondLife, it is connecting disabled users and providing a platform for them to discuss common issues
The Self-Help Award – School of everything – this innovative site matches up would-be learners and would-be teachers; unleashing unused skills in local neighbourhoods and allowing people, from young whizz kids to retired people, to pass on what they know to others
The Individual Hero Award – Helen Anderson of South Witham broadband – after a series of large internet suppliers refused to provide broadband in South Witham, Lincolnshire, Helen started a not-for-profit company to provide local individuals and businesses with broadband internet and WiFi. The volunteer-led project has been so successful that Helen has even shared her expertise with the Australian Government
The People’s Choice Award went to The Freeconomy Community, a skill, tool, space and land sharing website to build closer, stronger communities through the power of sharing
What’s Next?
The next phase of Catalyst, which uses the inspiration of today’s finalists to call for new ideas, will take place during Enterprise Week this November. JustMeans is planing to be involved in Enterprise Week by supporting unique social change organizations.
For media enquiries about the winners, contact: Amy MacLaren or Henry de Rougemont at amy/henry@colmangetty.co.uk on 020 7631 2666 or email
Adventures with Justmeans 
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