Rachel Hopkins discusses the extended outreach for charities that Working on Wheels can provide
Have you ever looked out of your window and wished your office could be on the shores of Loch Lomond? Would you like to speak to service users in an environment where they feel comfortable? Have you ever wanted to take your message to the door of policy movers and shakers? I’ve been lucky enough to be invited along for the ride with two organisations that have done just that using our mobile outreach vehicle. From the shores of Luss to Scottish Parliament, Working on Wheels (WOW) Promotions have expanded the reach of Dyslexia Scotland and Enable Scotland.
Dyslexia Scotland took WOW’s bus to Argyll and Bute for their third roadshow with us. Access to information, advice and help is irregular due to cost, time and geographical constraints. Without a centre currently dedicated to those with dyslexia locally, Dyselxia Scotland were only able to spread awareness of the help available to those affected with the help of our promotional vehicle. The WOW bus provided a neutral space for visitors to get face-to-face engagement with a committed member of staff or volunteer.
One visitor said: “[We] actually had one-to-one person-centred discussions which were extremely helpful”.
The WOW bus provides a neutral space for visitors to get face-to-face engagement with a committed member of staff or volunteer
Rachel Hopkins
The value of face-to-face engagement is second to none, especially if the subject is new or sensitive. We’re used to being instantly connected via social media, but personal connection in a non-judgemental space, where you can build up trust, is often instrumental when speaking to service users, donors and volunteers.
Enable Scotland took advantage of this face-to-face engagement on a big scale. As part of Learning Disability Week, it toured the central belt promoting the work of their youth services. Engaging with 250 young people in six council areas they delivered fun and interactive sessions and workshops on topics such as accessible play for children, managing money and team building and communication.
Ashley Ryan, Enable Scotland’s youth services manager, said: “We are thrilled Working on Wheels Promotions joined us during Learning Disability Week. Using the bus allowed us to give children, parents and teachers an opportunity to learn more about our amazing youth projects, meet some of the young people we support, talk to staff members and take part in fun, interactive activities.”
Enable Scotland also took their campaign to the door of the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday 16 June. Members of the public, MSP’s and Scottish Government officials crossed the threshold to learn more about the campaign and support it with their signature.
The Working on Wheels Promotions bus provides organisations with the opportunity to engage with disengaged communities, to distribute information, to get backing for a campaign or, indeed, to find a beautiful back drop for a photo call.
We’re a small social enterprise with visions of a huge social return. With a charitable parent organisation and a wealth of experience in mobile outreach, we understand the limitations charities can experience when it comes to funding, staff and time – believe us! This is precisely why we want to make this proven strategy for engagement financially viable for the third sector. We’re offering discounts to charities, who quote #TFN. Get in touch – there’s nothing to lose.
Rachel Hopkins is the Working on Wheels Promotions co-ordinator
