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Get Connected's award winning corporate relationship

CORPORATE PARTNERSHIP WINS UK CHARITY AWARD

Get Connected and The Carphone Warehouse’s unique relationship was awarded Corporate Partnership of the Year at the UK Charity Awards 2003 on 3rd September.  

The award recognises the invaluable support provided by The Carphone Warehouse (CPW) that has underpinned everything that the charity has achieved in the last 12 months. The judges described the relationship as a ‘true partnership in every sense, with many major benefits on both sides, and a commitment to joint objectives.”

The partnership was launched in September 2001, with CPW providing Get Connected with an administrative office, a volunteer relaxation room, a meeting room and a fully equipped helpline.

The upgrade in facilities and equipment resulted in the improvement in the quality and capacity of the service provided to vulnerable young people.  In the first half of 2003, over 7,000 vulnerable young people contacted Get Connected, and CPW covered the direct cost for every one of these service users, including phone bills and office costs. 

Within the last year, the support of CPW has allowed Get Connected to significantly develop, and achievements include receiving a National Training Award, the implementation of a Young People in Management project and the launch of two research reports, Nowhere to turn, and Still No Idea, funded by CPW.

Justin Irwin, Director of the Charity said:

“The innovative corporate partnership works on a level where Get Connected is always asked ‘what is needed?’ rather than being told ‘this is what’s available’. The Carphone Warehouse’s support has proved essential, and has given the Get Connected the freedom to improve and develop.

The recent launch of Get Connected’s new email service is a perfect example of how both organisations work together. The IT Department at CPW set up the computer system using software used in their call centres, the Marketing Department helped publicise the service and 10% of the helpline workers answering the emails will be CPW employees.

CPW and Get Connected both revolve around communication, and this synergy has been utilised fully for both marketing and fundraising purposes.  The rise in profile has lead to interest from potential new supporters, and most importantly it enabled an additional 2,000 vulnerable young people to find the best help in 2002.”

Over 700 charity sector employees and volunteers attended the awards ceremony, presented by Paul O’Grady. Wateraid and Thames Water were commended in the Corporate Partnership section. The other nominees were ChildLine and BT, and HIT Entertainment and The National Autistic Society.

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Notes to editors:

1. Get Connected is a unique telephone and email helpline finding young people the best help whatever the problem. This help can range from national telephone helplines to local advice centres. Staffed by 60 volunteers, the helpline can either provide a free connection directly to a third party, give callers relevant information to use when they wish, or text them details directly to their mobile phone
2. The vision of Get Connected is that every young person in the UK can find the help they need to support their physical and emotional well-being. Launched in February 1999, as part of The Suzy Lamplugh Trust, Get Connected became an independent charity in August 2000.
3. Get Connected helpline is open from 1pm – 11pm 365 days a year on 0808 808 4994 and
4. Available for interview: Justin Irwin, Director, Get Connected, 020 8896 4774,