Haringey Charity Finalists in National Tech4Good Awards

Congratulations to Haringey alcohol action charity, HAGA, who have just learned that they are a finalist in the prestigious national ‘Tech4Good’ Awards 2015.

HAGA’s online alcohol screening portal, www.dontbottleitup.org.uk, has been nominated because it helps people understand how risky their drinking is and provides them with personalised resources to regain control. People can also book appointments via Skype to talk to a specialist online at the evening or weekend. 

The Tech4Good Awards celebrate people of all ages who use the power of computers and the Internet to make the world a better place. Previous recipients of a Tech4Good award have included the eminent scientist, Stephen Hawking and Jimmy Wales, the founder of Wikipedia. (And world renowned (ahem) local finalists have included no less than Harringay Online!)

Last year, alone over 14,700 people took the alcohol test online at DontBottleItUp. It is estimated that DontBottleItUp saved the wider health economy up to £850,000 as fewer people needed serious treatment as a result of their drinking.

Throughout June, you can vote for DontBottleItUp to win the ‘People’s Choice’ award. You can vote via the Tech4Good Awards website  or by Twitter using the hashtag #T4GDontBottleItUp.

A service user said: “DontBottleItUp really helped me - I have been to the GP since and spoken to him. He gave me more advice and I am going back later in the year. I have started going to the gym instead of drinking as I am really in to health anyway and so that makes me feel really good instead. I still like to drink but I have cut out down massively in the week. I am trying to lose weight too and so cutting back on the booze has helped with that.”

It's good to see another worthy local cause bask in the glory. Best of luck to HAGA and let's hope we'll see them achieve a richly deserved win.