Get Connected Digital Connector shortlisted for award

by Get Connected

Get Connected

Thursday 13th August 2015

One of Get Connected’s new team of Digital Connectors, Melanie Kopik, has been shortlisted for a TalkTalk Digital Heroes award in the ‘Volunteer Digital Hero’ category.

Digital Connectors volunteer remotely to answer web chats from vulnerable young people contacting the Get Connected helpline. Melanie now volunteers from her own home in Lymington, giving three hours of her time each week to respond to young people in crisis. Melanie has also volunteered on the Get Connected helpline in London, as well as giving her time as a Volunteer Trustee for the charity.

Melanie says: “I find being a Digital Connector and volunteering remotely to be a really positive experience, knowing I can help young people in such a unique and innovative way.”

When young people contact Get Connected our Digital Connectors, like Melanie, help them explore the problem and provide non-judgemental emotional support and reassurance. When the young person is ready, volunteers can look for further, specialist support services and talk the young person through their options so that they can make informed choices about their future.

By building a team of Digital Connectors across the UK, Get Connected is able to provide flexible, meaningful social action opportunities and can support thousands more vulnerable children and young people who don’t know where else to turn. The award would help Get Connected to recruit and train an additional 20 Digital Connectors, like Melanie, who can help 3,000 more young people in crisis this year.

Show your support and vote for Melanie today!

This post was originally part of the Get Connected website. YouthNet and Get Connected merged to form The Mix in 2016.