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Our “tech for good” faves – part two
We love to see tech used to promote the common good. In our last post we highlighted some of the great work companies in Bath and Bristol are doing to find digital solutions to social challenges. Here, we share some of our favourite national and international “tech for good” companies and initiatives.
Denmark’s BeMyEyes is a not-for-profit app that connects blind users with a network of volunteer helpers from around the world via a live video connection. Sighted members can help blind users with everyday tasks such as checking the expiry date on food or navigating new and unfamiliar surroundings.
We really like the simplicity of the concept and application.
Be My Eyes - helping blind see from Be My Eyes on Vimeo.
CNA Speaking Exchange is a Brazil-based online platform that connects South American students with American pensioners in retirement communities for conversation. The students get to improve their English, while the senior citizens are able to chat with a friendly face and feel less isolated – a huge problem among the elderly population that we have seen first-hand in our work with hospices.
(Warning: this video will probably make you cry).
Shuddle is a US online platform and app that allows time-pressed parents to book transport for their children to get to school and after-school activities like sports practices or music lessons. To guarantee safety and peace of mind, all of Shuddle’s drivers are heavily screened, with many holding teaching, nursing or nanny qualifications.
As CEO Nick Allen told us by email:
“The modern world puts a lot of pressure on families: longer working hours for parents, busier schedules for kids. We're working to make family living manageable rather than stressful for everyone, so you could say social purpose comes into what we do. Safety is also a huge part of what we do, so as leaders in transport for families it's really important that we set extremely high standards around road and passenger safety with our drivers, as well as work with local government to help build policy around safe ride sharing.”
The New York Times, Guardian, Techcrunch and WIRED are all talking about Shuddle. We have a special reason to include Shuddle on our list of favourites: our former designer Spencer now lives in San Francisco and works for them.
Last but not least is Localgiving, UK-wide not-for-profit online platform that helps charities and community projects to connect with supporters, fundraise online and take control of their future. The platform has just reached the £10m point in terms of funds delivered.
Localgiving’s mission is to safeguard the future of local charities by helping them qualify for GiftAid via its platform, giving them access to new online fundraising channels and improving their digital savvy. Localgiving’s online platform also helps charities access matching funds, making donations go further (see video).
Chairman and founder Marcelle Speller OBE has a bold an inspiring vision of how tech and digital can be leveraged to transform charities in the UK – read our Q&A with her to hear more.