Local MP Emily Thornberry has visited Community Network – the UK’s only telephone conferencing charity – which is based in Islington. During her visit Ms Thornberry learned how Community Network works to tackle social exclusion through innovative use of the telephone and also met members of the small, dedicated team working for this unique organisation.
“In an age where mobile phones, email and social networking sites make communication as simple as pressing a few keys on a key pad, it is easy to forget there are still many people in society who feel isolated because of illness, disability or old age, “ said Ms Thornberry. “The excellent work carried out by Community Network helps to bring people together and improve their quality of life.”
Community Network funds its charitable work by providing telephone conferencing services to a wide range of third sector organisations including BOND, organisers of the worldwide campaign, Make Poverty History; Christian Aid; the Open University; and Citizens Advice Bureau.
All profits from Community Network’s telephone conferencing services are then used to set up and run self-help telephone groups working to combat social exclusion. This can involve groups with just three or four people or, as happens every Christmas, the linking up of over ninety pensioners who participate in a carol service over the phone.
