Project or site of the month

Each month we look at the nominations made so far and pick our favourite site(s) or project(s).

May 2003
For our final Project of the month this year we have once again chosen two nominations which we believe are making strong contributions to public life.

Kizoom
Ever rushed for a train only to discover that on arrival at the station your train has been delayed or cancelled? Well, rush no more. You can now check real time train information by registering with Kizoom's personal travel service. Once you have registered they will send you the timetable information you require directly to your mobile phone.

We feel this simple idea not only makes the most of the technology available but also provides an essential service in today's society, where we are all being encouraged to use public transport more.

UK Audio Network
Specifically for blind and partially sighted people this site contains a wide variety of materials from games to news and entertainment to listen to. This innovative site turns browsing the web on its head and can only be fully understood with a pair of headphones. Once plugged into a headset you navigate the site using the given audio instructions.

We believe that this site is breaking some of the visual boundaries of the web and encouraging a new set of people to come online.

April 2003
When looking through all the nominations we saw just how difficult judging the finalists is going to be. It was particularly hard to decide who should win this month so after much consideration we chose two projects:

Childnet International
This charity is committed to making the internet safer for children. The website is most informative, clear and easy to use highlighting the harmful aspects of the internet for children and parents alike. The children’s section is particularly attractive with cartoons and simple text and presents five golden rules for staying safe online. We believe that Childnet International is doing it's utmost to help children get the most out of the internet and is reassuring parents that they too can help their children navigate some of the perceived dangers of the World Wide Web.

Perfiliate Technologies
This innovative company enables small charities to effectively use of new media technology to fundraise through online shopping. Organisations sign up for a free, personalised web shop that they then promote to members, friends and supporters. Every purchase made in the shop earns the group up to a ten percent commission. The scheme has attracted major retailers including Amazon and Marks and Spencer. In addition, the Perfiliate Technologies explain the system clearly on their website and offer organisations the option to sign up online. We feel this website contributes greatly towards civic society as it provides an easy and effective way for charities and communities to raise desperately needed funds.


March 2003
This month we have chosen to highlight two sites:

Saint Ambrose Barlow School
This site is helpful and interactive for all ages with many online activities for pupils. As major parts of the site have been developed by the students themselves we feel that this school is really encouraging internet excellence.

Net mums
This website is well researched and shares regional knowledge essential for child carers. As it is designed and maintained by mums it has information that is both relevant and easily accessible. The site provides links to many services: from parent toddler groups to children's parties, as well as dealing with health issues such as breastfeeding and teeth. We feel that this site is making a positive contribution to civic society through the use of new media.

February 2003
Our featured project this month is DisabledGo, a service that allows anybody to check the accessibility of commercial and public services in their local area.

DisabledGo charts the suitability of public premises for the disabled using a variety of icons, which indicate the availability of vital facilities. These include hearing systems, Braille and adapted toilets as well as staff attitudes towards disabled clients.

DisabledGo is a unique site helping to demolish barriers to social inclusion. It is evidently well researched and user-friendly, demonstrating how new media can have a positive impact on civic society.


January 2003
Our first featured project is eGov monitor, a weekly e-mail newsletter read by some of the most influential professionals within the public and private sectors.

This useful e-zine provides a complete round-up of activities relating to eGoverment, public sector participation and communication technology.

We were particularly impressed by the newsletter's accessible format, and its wide and varied readership. Anyone can subscribe, for free, and the quality of its content makes it an example of how new media can contribute to civic society.