“Being a small charity, funds aren’t always available for training on the ‘less important’ topics, such as improving our social media presence and creating content.”
Voluntary sector organisations often have to make difficult decisions about how to use limited resources. As Tracey Mock, General Manager of On Your Bike (pictured right) highlights, training can really valuable, yet some topics are seen as ‘nice to have’ meaning it can sometimes slip down the priority list.
Thanks to support from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, we’ve been offering learning opportunities across a wide range of topics, free or subsidised, for organisations of all sizes.
Ony Your Bike refurbishes donated bicycles alongside people facing challenges such as unemployment and mental health issues. Tracey shares how attending our training has made a difference:
“I have never been confident in front of the camera, but the Creative Storytelling and Video Editing session hosted by Spark Somerset and delivered by Richard from Original Light gave me the confidence to give it a go.
“We rely on the public to generously donate used bikes, many of which can be readily recycled and sold. Many children’s bikes have been outgrown and can be quickly repaired and sold on, helping disadvantaged families in our communities.
“Using video to capture these stories shows our community the difference we’re making, conveying emotion, passion and real people using the services we offer.
“It has made an impact in the way we bring funders, donors, and supporters along on our journey to make cycling affordable and give residents the opportunity to recover.
“We’ve seen interest from two prospective Trustees through the videos we have created and have also used then explain our training courses to potential beneficiaries.”
Tracey has also seen a direct impact in her own role as a manager. Following a training session on AI delivered in partnership with Techosaurus, she uses new tools in her day-to-day work. This has improved her efficiency and helped her be a better leader.
“Using a voice recording of a welfare discussion allowed me to actively listen to what was being said by a member of staff who was having a tough time with their mental health.
“By using voice recording, transcript, and other AI tools, I was able to focus on the import things like eye contact, body language and really taking in what was being said.
“You can miss so much by taking notes, but the correct tools gave me that freedom to engage and be present and make them feel less alone.”
Summing up her experience, Tracey concludes: “The biggest change has been an increase in my confidence and technical knowledge across numerous areas, thanks to the training I have received through Spark Somerset.”
Interested in joining our free and low-cost training? Visit our events page to see upcoming dates and topics.
“The biggest change has been an increase in my confidence and technical knowledge across numerous areas, thanks to the training I have received through Spark Somerset.”
Tracey Mock, On Your Bike
