Taking things online: How the VCS are evolving
One key challenge many VCS organisations in Worcestershire have faced during the pandemic is looking at how they can continue to provide support remotely, now they are unable to meet people face-to-face.
We have seen many achieving this through a variety of innovative means and methods, utilising technology as a valuable tool to overcome new challenges and embracing technology in a way they have not been previously.
With so many innovative and cost-effective solutions available, such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams, these platforms have enabled the VCS to continue running meetings with staff and trustees, engage with volunteers and provide support to those in need throughout the lockdown.
Following our recent survey into the local VCS, we’ve seen some great examples of what some organisations have been doing:
Worcestershire Association of Carers are a charity providing an independent source of information, advice and support for unpaid adult carers in Worcestershire.
During the lockdown they have moved to carers involvement, engagement and training online.
All of their staff have been able to work remotely due to the help of technology and they have also been utilising technology to support our networking - both formal and informal”.
Young Solutions is a charity working to ensure all young people are engaged in creating a ‘first-class Worcestershire’ and tackling youth unemployment.
The team at Young Solutions say that "Digital inclusion and communication has now become our number one priority both with staff and in delivering projects".
Onside currently works across Worcestershire and Herefordshire, providing a wide range of support services to ensure fairness and equality for all members of the local community who may be vulnerable, disadvantaged or discriminated against.
They have shared that 100% of their previous operations were face to face youth work, so they have had to completely redesign their service to make it digital which has “ been a really big adjustment".
Beacon Camera Club are hoping to provide live streaming of future meetings when they meet as before.
“We think not only will this be good for members who may be working away or unable to attend a meeting. We also think there may be an opportunity for a new type of remote membership."
Future of the VCS and Support Services
With such great examples of how VCS organisations have been making adjustments and making technology work for them, could this be something that the sector continues to embrace in the future?
Particularly in terms of meetings, this could be a great change to help improve efficiencies across the VCS by saving valuable time.
Taking meetings online also provides an opportunity to achieve a more social/informal aspect to your organisation, through more relaxed meeting environments, helping you to create stronger relationships with volunteers, stakeholders and others.
Taking board meetings as an example, taking meetings online has also equalled better attendance and engagement from delegates, as it makes it much easier and simpler.
Although there are so many great stories of how taking things online has enabled many organisations to continue their work, of course this hasn’t and doesn’t work for everyone.
Before embracing this way of working and providing support, you need to consider the suitability for your organisation, the way you work, your aims and the people you support.
For example, if you aim to prevent social isolation for the elderly, taking things online might not be the most suitable option. Typically across this group, there is often a lack of knowledge of how to get online and use equipment and even a lack of the equipment itself.
You may need to consider other solutions away from technology to help you continue providing support safely.
For example you could consider:
- Socially distanced meetups in open spaces (parks etc.)
- Sending direct mail to individuals
- Sharing advice pieces in local paper
- Featuring on local radio
Carers Careline shared some great examples of how they have been utilising other avenues, along with technology, when they took part in our recent survey.
A local charity with the aim to promote the health, mental and emotional wellbeing of adult carers, they have been overcoming challenges in the following ways:
“
We have dramatically increased our level of telephone support, more than doubling our usual level of contact with carers by phone and email. We have also increased our newsletter production from bi-monthly to monthly, to ensure that those people we work with who do not have access to the internet are kept fully informed of where they can get help from and for support and encouragement”.
Some great work and valuable inspiration for other organisations to consider.
Long term impact of Covid-19
Taking their services online has been a great way that VCS organisations have been helping to ensure people can still access support, but more needs to be done about those groups unable to access this.
It has already been discussed how the fatalities and implications of Covid-19 are likely to spread further into the future.
Issues around mental health, a lack of social interaction, an increase in domestic abuse figures and other negative impacts of the pandemic could claim the lives of many more.
This is why the sharing of ideas, collaboration and greater support for VCS organisations will be vital moving forward, to ensure those in need are always able to access the support they need to overcome issues.