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National Training Awards

GET CONNECTED RECOGNISED BY NATIONAL TRAINING AWARDS

Get Connected has been named as a finalist in the National Training Awards 2002, awarded for the high standard of training the charity has developed for volunteer helpline workers. 

This is a major achievement for Get Connected, one of only three voluntary organisations that made it to the Greater London finals.  Twenty-five other organisation were named as regional finalists, including Debenhams PLC and the mental health charity SANE.

The National Training Awards are the most prestigious awards for excellence in training and people development in the UK.  This year finalists represented the top 20% of entries received across the UK.

Justin Irwin, Director of the Charity said:

“We believe that a high standard of training is essential in providing the best possible service for the 1,000 vulnerable young people that contact the helpline every month.  The Get Connected volunteer training is constantly assessed and improved, and we are delighted that this has been recognised by the National Training Awards.

The quality of the training is reflected in the consistently high level of service delivered to users of the helpline.   Recent assessment of the helpline revealed that 89% of users felt better informed of their choices after using the service.

Young people who contact Get Connected are often in crisis situations, so helpline workers must be both supportive and professional. Through extensive training, Get Connected volunteers are able to find young people the best possible help whatever the problem.”

Following a rigorous selection procedure, trainee helpline workers receive 25 hours training.  This ranges from taking practice calls to learning about the role of Social Services.  Following initial training, an 8 week induction period, with extra supervision, must be successfully completed.

Get Connected received further recognition earlier this year, with Irwin being short-listed for the UK Charity Awards 2002 ‘Principal of the Year’ prize.

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Notes to editors:

1. Get Connected is a unique helpline finding young people the best help whatever their problem. This can range from national telephone helplines to local advice centres. Staffed by 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, and began a unique partnership with The Carphone Warehouse in September 2001
3. Get Connected helpline is open from 1pm – 11pm 365 days a year, and is staffed by approximately 55 volunteers, two-thirds of whom are under 30
4. Available for interview: Justin Irwin, Director, Get Connected, 020 8896 4774,