Local Charity Gets Switched On

6.17.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 16th Oct 2009

Bridget with Jumoke Fashola seeing what a difference the new telephone conferencing system will make

Specially invited guests and supporters of the Islington-based charity Community Network have attended the official switch-on of its new state-of-the-art telephone conferencing system. This unique organisation provides telephone conferencing services to the public and third sectors, using all profits to tackle social exclusion by setting up support and befriending telephone groups for people who feel isolated from their communities.

West end actor, David Bedella, along with the jazz singer and broadcaster, Jumoke Fashola, performed the switch-on. This was followed by a demonstration of the new technology with Jumoke Fashola linking up with the Malden MIND support group in a group telephone conversation.

Also attending the event were representatives from the Charity Bank, who provided the finance for the new technology, Social Enterprise London, and the Liberal Democrat prospective parliamentary candidate for Islington South and Finsbury, Bridget Fox.

"It was great to be at the launch and see Community Network's services in action," said Ms Fox. "By using the latest technology behind the scenes, they can bring help and support to so many groups over the phone. They do amazing work and I'm delighted to support them."

The new technology represents a £30,000 investment and will enable Community Network to improve the telephone conferencing services it provides for the not-for-profit sector and attract new clients. As a social enterprise, a growing client base is essential for Community Network to realise its ambitious plan of expanding its charitable work combating the growing problem of social isolation.

Pat Fitzsimons, Community Network's CEO, said: "This event marks the culmination of 18 months hard work that involved researching, commissioning and implementing a whole range of new technology and services."

For further information about Community Network call 020 7923 5250 or visit www.community-network.org