How to grow your own Community Hub

A guide created by Groundwork Oldham & Rochdale as part of the ‘Get Online Middleton’ project.

March 2012

HOW TO GROW YOUR OWN COMMUNITY HUB...

Contents

Executive Summary

Step 1: Plant the Seed – How to move forward with the seeds of an idea

Step 2: Dig Deep – Food for thought when getting everything you need

Step 3: ‘Root’ to Success – Building on a stem of an idea

Step 4: Branching Out – Involving partner organisations

Step 5: Watch Your Garden Grow – Expanding your team of digital champions Step 6: Fruits of Your Labour – Approaching partnership events

Step 7: Sowing the Seeds of Success – Continuing the good work

About This guide has been produced as part of the Get Online Middleton project, delivered by Groundwork Oldham & Rochdale and funded by UK online centres as part of the national Community Capacity Builders initiative.

Get Online Middleton developed a network of organisations, people and resources, and coordinated local activity to help digitally excluded people in Middleton to get online. Partner organisations and a team of volunteer Digital Champions helped people to understand the benefits of the internet and inspire them to get online.

We would like to thank all those involved in Get Online Middleton and we hope that the network can continue to inspire local people to experience the benefits of the internet.

2 HOW TO GROW YOUR OWN COMMUNITY HUBGroundwork Oldham & Rochdale | March 2012

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Executive SummaryOur aim was to establish a community hub at the heart of Middleton; we successfully transformed a void unit within Middleton Shopping Centre into a vibrant, welcoming environment that partners, Digital Champions and local residents could access.

To support the success of this new community hub we engaged with local community organisations and invited them to get involved. We recruited and trained a team of Digital Champions and encouraged local residents to come along to a variety of events and activities at the community hub.

We coordinated an array of innovative events that would entice non liners to take their first step online and inspire new partnership links between existing organisations in Middleton. This capacity building approach enabled us to support 56 events, provide over 90 sessional activities at the community hub and overall we engaged with 600 people throughout the life of the project.

Our team of Digital Champions have played an integral part by dedicating their time, commitment and energy to inspire, encourage and show people how to get online. They have worked with partner organisations and together they have increased digital capacity in the community of Middleton. See their stories on page 10.

This has been an invaluable experience for Groundwork as it has increased our reputation for community capacity building amongst funders, partners and local residents which contributes to Groundwork’s success with wider regeneration projects.

3HOW TO GROW YOUR OWN COMMUNITY HUBGroundwork Oldham & Rochdale | March 2012

Step 1: Plant the Seed How to move forward with the seeds of an idea

What we did:

What would the Charity Business Rates be? What support

could they give?What would it cost?

What else would we need?

Would it be possible?

We asked:

We had the seeds of an idea – to establish a community hub in the

heart of Middleton community, to deliver events from, and to allow organisations to test new partnerships and new approaches at little cost.

Groundwork were already represented on Middleton Township Committee, of

which the Middleton Shopping Centre Manager was key.

We approached the Middleton Shopping Centre Manager – we talked about

what the project aimed to do for the community of Middleton. We looked at what the benefits would be to the Shopping Centre – increased footfall, utilising a void unit and increased networking.

Broadband – we wanted to be able to offer partners, Digital Champions and Middleton residents free internet access.

We approached our own Board of Directors, one of whom was the director of a well known internet service provider, Zen Internet, we asked for FREE broadband connection for twelve months.


Monthly Cost Yearly Cost Comments

Rates £79.17 £950.00 paid over 10 months but given as a 12 month breakdown

Electricity £60.00 £720.00 based on current monthly average plus a winter premium

Water £46.58 £599.00 based on current monthly actual and a one off rates charge

Telephone £10.00 £120.00 currently running at about £5 per month

BT Line was a gift to Groundwork until March 2012

Internet Service was a gift to Groundwork until March 2012

TV License £12.13 £145.50

Total £207.88 £2,500.00

Value for money:56 events at the community hub = £28 per event•44 Digital Champions using the community hub = £56 per champion•500 local residents used online activity at the community hub = £5 per resident•

If you don’t ask you don’t get!

What did we get? An offer of a void unit within Middleton Shopping Centre – •RENT FREE. A great space ideally located.Middleton Shopping Centre agreed to fit a fire alarm and carry out •required safety checks – FOR FREE. Support from maintenance team. We also got a FREE staff car parking space for the project coordinator •– provided by Middleton Shopping Centre.FREE BROADBAND connection from Zen Internet for 12 months•

The Shopping Centre Manager was very honest that he wanted to avoid rates charges on void properties, and also wanted the shopping centre to appear busier.

As a charity we received an automatic 80% discount on business rates which made a big difference, although our application for further discretionary relief on these rates was unsuccessful.

Check out: http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/detail?itemId=1086075995&type=RESOURCES

Tip... Well worth approaching centres and asking about void spaces – Look what we got!

Although the void unit was provided on a rent free basis – there are costs and as a guide please see below.

Middleton F19 Running Costs


Step 2: Dig DeepFood for thought when getting everything you need.

What we did:Asked around... we had an empty space to fill! Carousel tables came from •Huddersfield University – they simply didn’t need them anymore! We also dug around in our own store rooms.We allocated eight laptops and one printer (connected through a wireless router •provided by Zen Internet).We sourced double doors from ‘The Cheap Door Shop’, Middleton for £80. All the •little bits of work that we needed to do cost less than £200 to make the space ready for action (work carried out by our super caretakers).We named our community hub ‘Get Online Middleton’ one of our partners provided a •new low cost shop front sign. We approached partners to see what offer of technical support they could provide – •Burnside Youth & Community Centre I.T experts were always on hand to support.

Things to consider: Be aware of other organisations in the local area that may not want to play ball. Even though we were at pains to explain the capacity building (not direct delivery) emphasis, in small geographies it is important to anticipate anxieties around competition for funding. Things like this could happen to you but don’t let it dampen your enthusiasm!

With a lick of paint and redundant materials it’s surprising what you can do – this is Get Online Middleton’s community hub starting to take shape!

Tips...Think about what the space will be •used for? How many people the space can •accommodate comfortably and safely?Is the location ideally situated – is •it fully accessible? What are the transport links like? Does it have toilet facilities? •Who is your target group/groups?•Does the venue/organisation have a •marketing team?

Tips...Check out your own organisations and

•venue policies i.e. Health & Safety – adhere to both. Put in place a venue induction.

Check out your organisation Public

•Liability Insurance? All our Digital Champions were covered by our Public Liability but any partner organisations (employed/doing activity during working hours) were required to show their own Public Liability Insurance cover.Check no other projects have a similar

•name in your area!


Step 3: Root to SuccessBuilding on a stem of an idea

What we did: We held a Traders Open Day where we invited all the •Shopping Centre traders a chance to meet us and our Digital Champions and to realise that we weren’t in competition! We then held partner and digital champion open days on two separate days.To get things going we encouraged Digital Champions •to run weekly IT taster drop In’s, this gave them an opportunity to work as a team. This naturally evolved as a support mechanism for the Digital Champions whilst providing a chance for them to develop their skills and confidence.We signed up for Age UK’s itea & biscuits campaign. •This was a really good opportunity to get Digital Champions supporting partners and generating interest in the community hub.


Tip...A range of Open Days helped to

accommodate everyone’s busy

schedules. Don’t forget about all the

little things that make a difference...

Refreshments, facilities, have you got

heating and fans – we purchased fans

and compact heaters.

Step 4: Branching outInvolving partner organisations

What we did: We researched local organisations then contacted •initially by phone then followed up with face to face meetings - we always took three ideas for how partnership could work. Our Community Capacity Builders project was •in one ‘Township’ within the local authority of Rochdale. An idea of the history and politics of different local organisations was an important consideration when preparing for face to face meetings.Kept partners in the loop – we were always on the •lookout for possible partnership linkages.We never missed an opportunity – we talked to •people about our project and our ideas.

Cartwheel Arts - a charity from Heywood was looking to expand the delivery of social media training in Middleton. We provided the venue and facilities to allow this. Sessions were themed, for example the use of Twitter and Facebook.

Trafford Council Lets Go Global delivered IT training to nine organisations based in Middleton. Using the hub we provided a venue, computer equipment and internet connection. The local benefits included courses delivered to our Digital Champions and partners.

Riverside Housing were looking for a neutral venue to deliver information sessions such as ‘how to switch energy providers’. We provided the venue and computers and we also supported a number of events and activities in the community. This enabled us to link opportunities to Riverside and their residents.

How did the new community hub catalyse new digital inclusion activity?What we did: One of our partners Peopleprint Community Media were delivering a Nominet Trust funded internet project borough wide. To intensify their work in the Middleton area we allowed them free use of our community hub to deliver a weekly ‘internet for beginners’ course.

They said: Debs set up the Middleton Hub space which we have been using every Wednesday throughout the life of our project. This has been fantastic for our organisation for two reasons:

It’s given us a chance to establish strong connections 1. with the local community in Middleton. In May 2011 we were served with notice to quit 2. Kirkholt Community Centre due to RMBC demolition. Having to move to new premises has been disruptive to the delivery our regular projects but fortunately, being able to continue delivery of iLike sessions at Middleton hub, we’ve been able to continue weekly delivery on our iLike sessions.

We’ve really enjoyed our time at Middleton Hub and Debs has helped us to partner with other organisations. We’ve crossed over with The Lighthouse project and have begun regular sessions at Woods Court sheltered accommodation.

Other examples of what we did:

Tips... Encourage Digital Champions

to be on the lookout for

potential partners and

opportunities

Encourage organisations to

promote the Digital Champion

opportunity to their staff.

What didn’t go so well? We felt that a one year long project seemed quite short for this type of engagement activity and some of our partners also felt the same. Several times we observed that despite bringing partners together, quite often partner meetings did not lead to further activity within the lifetime of the project. We estimate that approximately 50% of such meetings would lead to nothing tangible in the short term other than increased awareness and communication between partners. We attributed this mainly to the busy schedules of partners, and that small organisations are vulnerable to staff being off sick etc. Where good partnerships were made these were rewarding and beneficial for all parties.

Tip... Set up a booking system.

Agree block dates and times

in advance – this helped our

partner Peopleprint to provide

a consistent approach of

delivery for their client group.


Tips...Run group inductions in your community

hub if you have enough numbers!

Check out the Do-it national volunteering

database http://www.do-it.org.uk

Do evaluation forms and if your funders

require any online surveys to be

completed make sure they do it there

and then – otherwise you may be chasing

them up at a later date to complete!

Step 5: Watch Your Garden GrowExpanding your team of digital champions

What we did: We set up a resource of promotional materials, •including role description, flyers and posters.We produced a Digital Champion handbook and •Induction to welcome new Digital Champions onboard. Take a look at our handbook and many other resources in the download area of http://communitychampion.org/We set up a face book page to highlight activity •and opportunities to our Digital Champion team; it is also a way of giving feedback and acknowledging their involvement. Digital Champions supporting other organisations: •Small groups working at a grassroots level can benefit greatly from very small investments. We purchased a reconditioned laptop and internet dongle at a cost of £150 for a small local charity Status4All - we selected Status4All because of their work with large groups of older people on an estate in Middleton.

What worked really well: We utilised Groundwork’s existing relationship with housing provider Riverside. Riverside offered the Digital Champion opportunity to their staff and ten people came forward to train as Digital Champions. We provided the Digital Champion training as part of ‘Learning at Work’ day. We have supported events and coordinated activities delivered by Riverside Digital Champions, for Riverside tenants on the Langley estate – also a number of Riverside tenants have become Digital Champions.

Things to consider: A healthy realism is required when anticipating the level of involvement/commitment of Digital Champions. This varies considerably and although keen to register when it comes to getting involved the reality is often more limited due to other commitments (ill health/family issues / college, work commitments etc). For one member of staff coordinating the activities of 30 plus digital champions was difficult, and actions such as evidencing in log books the activities of champions were difficult to prioritise.

Feed & Grow: A particular aspect that has proven to be a success has been Digital Champions sharing their personal experiences through weekly online taster sessions which were coordinated by the Digital Champions themselves. This encouraged other volunteers to come on board and join the Digital Champion team.

Take a look at Eileen who talks about her experience as someone who was helped by our Digital Champions: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21lqUZVHtUQ‘I was severely depressed due to bereavement, no enjoyment in life, could not see any light at the end of the tunnel. The project has been instrumental in helping me see my life in a more positive way, the guidance, support and encouragement has been invaluable. The Digital Champions have been very supportive to me and have made my Internet learning skills a very enjoyable and practical experience. I will continue using and developing my Internet skills and possibly help others do the same.’Eileen is now a Digital Champion.

Digital Champions in their own words....Simon: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGQCuGss25o •Neil: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Gib51uWRaQ•Stacie: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1EVVM2c9Gs•Paul: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4MypLneEg4•

Brentwood Day Centre (Drug alcohol addiction) – one of our Digital Champions Paul is supporting this project and Get Online Middleton purchased two laptops to support Go On activity and events (see Paul’s video). We have also supported Pennine Care Health Trainers to provide health events at the centre through the partnership.

Simon StacieNeil PaulEileen

Step 6: Fruits of your LabourApproach to Partnership Events

What we did: We made events hassle free! Organising community events on behalf of partners can ‘take the pain out’ of partnership working for small community groups. A more diverse and interesting range of partners was possible when all they had to do was turn up at the event and deliver their normal activity/internet sessions.

How we did it: We looked at campaigns coming up locally and the target audience. Outlined a theme or collection of themes for the proposed events or activities (e.g Health Trainer events). We contacted relevant partners and informed them of the proposed dates and times, and offered an outline of the event or activity. We allocated and provided the resources required, coordinated Digital Champion support and produced promotional materials. We have successfully supported over 50 unique events over the life of the project and delivered over 90 sessional activities in the community hub (over a six month period) and engaged with 600 plus people.

Examples:Groundwork sourced and funded a local guitar 1. tutor to deliver sessions. The tutor showed participants how to access free sheet music, chord diagrams and YouTube instructional videos and showed them tutorial websites. The guitar sessions generated such interest amongst Digital Champions we decided to host a ‘thank you’ event in February for our team to enjoy! Take a peek at our talented Digital Champions! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihJdG3_9m5oDuring half-term we offered a “bring a grown up 2. day” with our Digital Champions - a themed event targeting children to bring a grown up non liner.A pilot Knit Natter & IT session was delivered from 3. the community hub then the idea was promoted to local organisations. We purchased wool and needles to facilitate the start up of a knitting club and a local organisation, The Lighthouse Project, now have a weekly club for older people. Participants found the wealth of information about different techniques on YouTube to be particularly useful and an eye opener to the resources available online. We also engaged with the local Health Trainer 4. team, developing a proposal for activities to be undertaken which matched their own targets concerning access to NHS Choices websites and encouraged them to do more innovative events e.g 1940’s Healthy Recipes to entice people to take part. We also hosted a “Then and Now” local heritage 5. event, designed specifically for the Alzheimer’s memory well-being groups. Digital champions have subsequently followed up these sessions with further activities (e.g. showing group members how to navigate the Alzheimer’s website).

We also delivered themed sessions around ‘digital cameras’, ‘guitar hero/ Wii games’, Skype, African Head Wraps & Tribal costumes, Social Media training sessions and much more.

Tips...The community hub allowed us to devise and test various models of engaging with local people and then to promote them to local partners. Together we introduced the internet to people in a variety of creative ways. Be creative and ‘think outside the box’ when coming up with ideas for events!

It’s a good idea to devise a timetable of activities for your community hub – but be prepared to be flexible and adapt to the needs of partners, Digital Champions and the community – get in touch if you want ours. Check out local and national themes that are running throughout the year e.g Age UK’s itea & biscuits.

Always ensure sufficient evidence is collated i.e. registers/ event summaries. Don’t forget to take photos and video’s - devise a signing-in sheet with a photo/video consent section built in – this way just get everyone to sign when they come in. Makes life a lot easier!

Look at your team of Digital Champions skills and interests – there are an abundance of skills out there waiting to be unleashed! Devise a template for flyers/poster that can be easily adapted for each activity/event.

Things to avoid: Don’t be coerced into doing everything. You are catalysing activity not running events - delegation is key. Many hands make light work!


Step 7: Sowing the Seeds of SuccessContinuing the good work

What we did: Groundwork engaged with Rochdale Metropolitan Council (RMBC) Economic Affairs Unit and their •community champion’s initiative to ‘mainstream’ the idea of Digital Champions into their overarching community champion’s model: http://www.rochdale.gov.uk/pdf/Community%20Champions%20overview%20and%20training%20model.pdf

The Skills & Employment Manager from Rochdale Council Economic Affairs Unit has agreed to ‘debrief’ all •Digital Champions in the last quarter of the project with a view to continued activity within council’s wider community champion initiative.Digital champions linked with specific local organisations have stated their intention to continue working •with these host organisations after the capacity building funding has ended e.g Peopleprint Community Media and Brentwood.Groundwork established with the Shopping Centre Manager the continued desire to have a voluntary •sector presence in the centre to occupy long term void shop units. Groundwork prepared a discussion paper containing the running costs of the premises.We invited all partners to a network meeting with an open agenda – updates from around the table. Prior •to the meeting we had agreed with a partner organisation that they would volunteer to host the next meeting and take minutes. At the meeting we got others present to write on a calendar when they could host and takes minutes for the group. Groundwork committed to attending at least one further network meeting post funding to continue the impetus for partnership working. A new partnership bid submitted to Jobcentre Plus Flexible Support Fund, also bid for UK Online Centres •Community Hubs grant between Rochdale Libraries, Groundwork and RMBC.

Things to think about: Make it easy for organisations and Digital Champions to deliver digital inclusion activities. Using the Get Online resources, our own generic lesson plans and easily ‘tweaked’ marketing materials was one of the key success factors we identified.

Benefits to Our Organisation:Increased reputation for community capacity building •amongst funders, partners, Digital Champions and local residents which contributed to Groundwork’s wider regeneration work.Confidence to repeat the model of creating a community •hub in other localities.Improved use and knowledge of social media tools.•Stronger links to RMBC Community Champions initiative•

Contact: For more information on any aspect of this guide or the Get Online Middleton project please contact:

Robert GlennWork & Employability ManagerGroundwork Oldham & RochdaleT: 0161 624 1444E: [email protected] www.gwor.org.uk

Tip... To help with this legacy resource

you could work in partnership

with other organisations to pool

resources together and create

an online resource of flyers and

different taster projects that can

be accessed with ease by partners

and Digital Champions.

How to grow your own Community Hub

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