BT Launches Award Scheme to help tackle Digital Exclusion

- Up to 80 charities and communities across the island to benefit

BT has today introduced a new award scheme which it hopes will reduce levels of digital exclusion in local communities.

The BT Community Connections award scheme will allow community and charitable organisations that are looking to extend their work through the use of the internet and ICT to apply for a laptop and a year's free broadband internet connection*.

The award scheme has been running in the UK since 2000 and more than 6,000 awards have been made to a diverse range of groups. BT launched the awards in the Republic of Ireland today because it believes that enhanced communications help create a fairer, more inclusive society where everybody has the opportunity to participate, benefit and contribute. While the internet has become a crucial aspect in the daily life of many, there are people who are missing out on the opportunities to email, network, find training, secure a job and access vital services provided by the web.

Chris Clark, CEO, BT said: 'Our approach is to find new ways to help people take full advantage of the huge benefits offered by the internet. In today's digital world, exclusion from the internet has become a key facet of social exclusion. We are very proud to empower local communities by providing these highly successful awards across the island.'

The scheme runs over an 18 month period, with two rounds in June 2009 and January 2010, offering a total of up to 80 award packages across the island of Ireland. To apply simply log on to www.btcommunityconnections.com or write to PO Box 6919, London W1A 8UX to request an application form.