BTs Get It Together Campaign Launches Initiatives

04 July 2012

BT has announced 2 initiatives as part of its Get It Together Campaign.

BT Community Connections is now open for applications
If you know of a community group which helps, or wants to help, people access the internet and improve their ICT skills, they could be eligible to receive 12 months' free broadband from BT.
Silver surfers, after school and youth clubs, even 'IT for the Terrified' groups have benefitted from an award in the past and are now encouraging even more people to get online.

Applying for an award is easy. Simply go to www.bt.com/communityconnections to access the online application form and read the full rules and guidance notes. The closing date for applications is Friday 7th September at 5.30pm.

BT Community Connections supports a diverse range of community and charitable organisations across the UK and is part of BT's Get IT Together campaign: www.bt.com/getittogether


BT Searches for Internet Rangers

BT’s Internet Rangers Awards 2012 are now open for applications following a record number of entries last year.

The awards are looking for outstanding schools and children under the age of 16 who are bridging the generational and digital divide by helping older people to get online and teaching them basic IT and internet skills. Last year’s entry of more than 180 applications across the UK was the largest since the scheme began 11 years ago.

BT Internet Rangers form part of both BT’s wider Get IT Together and Connected Communities programmes, which are aimed at instilling confidence and empowering people to get online.

There are fantastic prizes to be won: iPads, laptops and IT vouchers for children and teachers and cash prizes up to £4,000 for individual schools. Children can be nominated by their friends, family, school, or even by themselves. It’s easy to apply, all you have to do is visit the website: www.bt.com/internetrangers and complete an online application form before Friday 2 November.

Peter Morris, Corporate Services director, BT, said: “This year we are once again eager to hear about the selfless efforts of schools and children who are helping elderly people to get online in a range of different and innovative ways. The awards are an opportunity to acknowledge their patience and dedication. Past entries have highlighted that the internet is a powerful tool and that anyone can reap its benefits, no matter what their age or circumstances.

“BT Internet Rangers Awards have revealed some truly inspiring individuals in the past, from children helping their disabled or seriously ill parents to make the most of the internet to youngsters encouraging older generations to become ‘Silver Surfers’. To many of us it may be second nature, but for others the simple act of going online can offer life enhancing benefits. If you know of a young person who is supporting others in this way, please do nominate them or tell them about the award.”
Previous winners have assisted people to get online in a range of ways and significantly helped to bridge the generational divide of technology. Last year’s Northern Ireland winner, Ben Robson from Newtownabbey, Belfast, volunteers once a week at a computer course held at his school. He teaches elderly people how to get online and how to use the internet to benefit them in a host of ways.

Ben, who has to deal with a stammer he developed at a young age, said: “Teaching older people about the internet has given me a lot more confidence. I understand the frustration people feel when they are unable to do things so I like being able to help.”
The closing date to submit applications is 5:30pm on Friday 2 November 2012.