#WednesdayWithoutUs
We’re inviting charities, voluntary organisations and community groups to get involved in a sector-wide campaign.
We’re essential, not optional
#WednesdayWithoutUs is a collective, non‑party‑political campaign designed to shine a light on the vital contribution of the VCFSE sector. The goal is simple: to make the invisible work of our community visible.
A weekly snapshot
Every Wednesday, VCFSE organisations across Somerset will share a snapshot of the work they do on social media – and what would be missing if they weren’t there.
Why join the campaign?
62% of Somerset’s VCFSE organisations have six months or less of financial reserves. At the same time, much of the work that improves community wellbeing and reduces demand on public services goes unnoticed – until it disappears. #WednesdayWithoutUs helps decision‑makers see the value, cost, and fragility of this activity.
By taking part, you will:
- Raise your profile: Showcase the vital contribution of your organisation
- Advocate for sustainable funding: Highlight the hidden costs of coordination, infrastructure, and supporting your workforce.
- Increase your reach: Coordinated posts and a shared hashtag will help your content appear on more people’s feeds.
- Amplify the message: Together, we can build compelling evidence of the sector’s impact and why it is essential to happy, healthy communities.
The more organisations that take part, the stronger our collective voice becomes. We want to take the unseen work happening every day and make it impossible to ignore.
How to get involved
With our ready-made content, it’s easy to get involved. We provide the framework; you provide your story.
Choose a real story to share that highlights the amazing work you do
Create a graphic for your post using our Canva templates (or simply share a photo)
Share it via socials with #WednesdayWithoutUs and tagging @sparksomerset and one other organisation
Repeat every Wednesday (or as often as you can!)
Ready to get started?
Download our campaign guide for examples and inspiration and then create your own graphics with our easy-to-use Canva templates.
Frequently asked questions
Do we have to post every Wednesday?
No, just post when you can. Once a week, once a month, another day of the week, whenever you feel you have something to say. Every post contributes to the collective signal and something is always better than nothing.
Do I need to be a marketer to take part?
No, this campaign is for anyone who is responsible for sharing social media on behalf their organisation. Our easy-to-use toolkit means you don’t need a background in comms or marketing to get involved.
What if I don’t have professional design tools and software?
Our campaign assets are in Canva which is free and easy to use. Just drop your images into the templates provided and they’re ready to download and share.
What if we don't have great photos?
A smartphone camera, a real moment and a few honest sentences is all this needs. The campaign works because it feels human and authentic, not because it looks polished.
I'm not based in Somerset, can I join in?
Yes, #WednesdayWithoutUs is for everyone and the more of us that get involved, the more powerful the message to decision-makers and government will be.
Want to know more?
Download our Campaign in a Box for example posts, sample messaging, key stats, sources and further FAQs, or contact our team.
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A Wednesday Without Us: Somerset campaign highlights the power of community connection
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