Michael Whippman Award 2011 - shortlist ready for the public vote

24 Jun 2011 01:58 PM

The shortlist has been announced for Homeless Link's annual Michael Whippman Award for client involvement. With a focus this year on social media campaigns that raise and challenge awareness of homelessness, the public vote is now open to find the winner.

The Michael Whippman awards scheme was set up to "challenge stereotypes around who is and can become homeless, whilst also showing homeless people that anything is possible". The result this year was a series of innovative and emotive entries using a range of online platforms - from websites to video, from Facebook to photography.

The total prize fund of £1,000, provided by this year's award sponsors Appichar (www.appichar.com) will be awarded based on the results of a public vote. The winner will receive £500, while two runners up will receive £300 and £200.

The six shortlisted entries include: an urban street dance video, raising awareness of youth homelessness; a homeless photography gallery that has already enjoyed exposure on the Guardian website; and a one man campaign to challenge perceptions and policies around homelessness in Bradford. The full shortlist and details on how to vote are online at homeless.org.uk/award-winners.

In keeping with this year's social media theme, votes are being collected online - via Twitter, Facebook or on the Homeless Link website.

Voting is open until Homeless Link's Annual Conference on 13th July, where the winner and runners up will be announced.