An app designed to connect Tollington residents through social activism will undergo pilot tests this week.
The Social Action app will use location services to match users based on their community interests. By choosing from a list of issues such as homelessness, street cleaning and social isolation, users will be able to virtually connect and collaborate with fellow campaigners. Once matched, they can organise new community projects or join existing ones.
Social Action is being created by Colin Adams and Network Developer Julie Parish. Adams, who manages Brickworks Community Centre, said his inspiration for the app came from residents finding it “increasingly difficult” to access social action groups.
“People want to make a difference in the community and don’t know how. An app like this allows like-minded people to connect in an easy and accessible way,” he said.
However, local resident Sophie, who declined to provide her last name, remains sceptical about the app’s potential. “A phone application that claims to encourage community action feels contradictory,” she said. “It’s just another excuse for people to hide behind screens.”
Social Action is still in its prototype phase and will need to secure further funding before it can be released to the wider public. If successful, there is a view to expand to other communities neighbouring Tollington.
