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The stars of digital inclusion were celebrated last week at a special ceremony in London. The UK online centres Awards recognised both people who’ve overcome barriers to get to grips with technology and change their lives, and the people who’ve helped them along the way.

Twenty-seven winners were whittled down from hundreds of nominations by a judging panel including representatives from Intel, Ofcom, Becta and the Learning and Skills Council. They commended top UK online centres, outstanding outreach projects, the best support staff and users who had overcome barriers and used technology to make some amazing achievements and major changes to their lives.

UK online centres staff, volunteers and visitors gathered together with stakeholders in digital inclusion, technology, and skills in Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. The audience heard speeches from new Digital Inclusion Minister Paul Murphy MP, and supporting celebrity Andrea McLean, who between them handed out the Awards.

Speaking at the ceremony, Paul Murphy MP said: “Computers and the internet can open up whole new worlds, and getting the skills and support to use them at places like UK online centres really can change lives for the better. For some people here today learning about technology hasn’t just been useful, it’s been a lifeline, and for me it’s been further proof digital inclusion is now a necessity rather than an option. It’s been a privilege to be here and see digital inclusion delivery and support at its very best. The dedication, hard work and achievements of all today’s winners are certainly worthy of reward.”

Andrea spent much of the afternoon chatting to winners about their experiences. She added: “Today we celebrated the personal achievements and milestones of some amazing individuals, and the very dedicated people who have supported them. Ordinary people doing extraordinary things deserve recognition, and that’s what the UK online centres Awards were all about. I’ve met some really inspirational people, and I’m delighted to have been here to share their day.”

Lukas Windrow, just 18, picked up the overall Inspirational Story Award at the Ceremony. Being deaf in one ear meant he’d had a hard time keeping up at school, and a harder time being bullied about his disability. When he left he divided his time between sleeping and drinking. Things began to change when he found his way into the CBED UK online centre in Liscard. His confidence grew with his ICT skills, and he was asked to try helping others use the computers as a volunteer. Now Lukas is doing just that at the internet café in Birkenhead YMCA where he lives.

Helen Milner, Managing Director of UK online centres and one of the Awards judges explains: “Luke is a perfect example of what we wanted to celebrate, and he’s a not only a real star story for digital inclusion but a real inspiration to others. With technology and the support of his UK online centre, he’s managed to turn his life around 180 degrees. He’s got numerous certificates under his belt, is working towards an ICT qualification and planning a future working in computer administration or web design. What’s more, he’s no longer embarrassed to talk about his disability, or to ask people to repeat themselves.”

Lukas says: “When I think about how things were less than a year ago - I could barely get out of bed before lunchtime. Now, I have qualifications and I know exactly what I want to do with my life. UK online centres has helped me in so many ways – I get up early, I’m off the drink, and I want to help other people to do the same. I’m determined to push myself to the limit, and beyond. I know I can do it.”

As well as his Award, Lukas also won a laptop computer from Intel, and a £1,000 grant for his centre. He concludes: “I was just happy that UK online centres were helping me get qualifications so I could get a good job – for them to then say I deserve an Award was just amazing! It doesn’t matter if you didn’t get on at school, or have a disability or problem that’s stopped you from learning. If UK online centres can help me, they can help anyone.”

For more information on this press release or about the UK online centres Awards and Award winners, please contact Abi Stevens – astevens@ufi.com, 0778 666 0689.

Notes to editors

• UK online centres help people get to grips with technology and get the skills and confidence they need to change their lives. The UK online centres Awards have been created to celebrate the achievements of some of those people, and the hard work of the centres and staff that support them.
  
• The UK online centres Awards Ceremony 2008 took place on 24 June at the Globe Theatre. The Awards were supported by key partners Intel and Ofcom. Other supporters include Becta, and the Learning and Skills council. A representative from each organisation made up the judging panel for the Awards.
  
• UK online centres are managed by Ufi, the organisation also behind learndirect. For more information please visit www.ukonlinecentres.com.