Effective Open Source: Anchor House Hostel shortlisted for best use of technology
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The Charity Times Awards , reaching its landmark tenth year this year, recognises high standards in the UK charity and not-for-profit sector. Anchor House finds itself one of six organisations to be shortlisted in the Best Use of Technology category, the winner of which will be announced on 9th September 2009 at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, London.
When Anchor House laid out a plan to transform itself from basic homeless hostel to a centre that helps residents develop their aspirations, confidence and self-esteem and move towards leading independent, self fulfilling lives, technology was to be a major enabler to this. The scope of the IT overhaul included the implementation of a CCTV system, access control, VOIP telephony, internet access, media services in each room, training facilities and offices systems. A number of open source technologies were integrated to achieve this.
Since then, the recent nine months have been reported as the calmest time at the centre. Keith Fernett, the Director of Anchor House is pleased with the results. 'Residents now receive information and training through a rich set of interfaces. For the first time we can offer internet, email and TV for them to follow work opportunities and social stability.'
Anchor House chose systems integrator Foehn Ltd to deliver and support its technology. James Passingham, Technical Director of Foehn Ltd said 'Anchor House had a clear vision of what it wanted to achieve but also an open mind on how to reach this. This meant we could source both relevant and cost effective technologies to deliver much more with the budget available.'
In 2008, 39 residents of Anchor House moved into full-time employment, compared to 5 in 2004.
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