'Savvy Chavvy' social networking site scoops UK Catalyst Award » Housing » 24dash.com

A social networking site for young gypsy travellers was today praised by the Prime Minister as it topped the list of winners of the first national community awards for social technology.

Savvy Chavvy, which has more than 1,250 members, was credited with helping young travellers to change the way their community is perceived.

Gordon Brown chatted with the creators of the website before presenting the first UK Catalyst Awards.

The awards, which were designed to coincide with the 24th day of July to highlight the 24/7 impact of social technology, were backed by Mr Brown's Council on Social Action and the Department for Business and Enterprise.

Mr Brown set up the Council exactly one year ago, with an aim to bring together business leaders to help inspire and celebrate social change in the UK.

Speaking today at the ceremony in central London, Mr Brown congratulated the people who "24 hours a day, seven days a week, serve the community".

To laughter from the assembled award winners and nominees, he said: "We're trying to see how we can foster a new generation of activists and campaigners and entrepreneurs, even though some campaign against the Government itself."

He praised the projects for their huge potential in tackling current social challenges by making a difference to the lives of individuals and communities.

"The worst of Britain can always be challenged by the best of Britain," he added.

The UK Catalyst Awards were judged by a panel of entrepreneurs and social technology enthusiasts including Tim Smit, CEO of the Eden Project.

Other award winning projects included Liftshare - an online car sharing system - and Slivers of Time - a web-based employment "solution" that allows people to find bits of work between commitments such as studying or childcare.

Dan McQuillan of the Make Your Mark campaign, a national campaign to unlock the UK's enterprise potential, said: "We can feel the momentum building around this movement.

"Examples of 21st century community action such as this are the very type of activities that can bring back a sense of community to UK society."