Using text messages to support your work

Andrew Wilson

Thumbprint Co-operative

andrew@thumbprint.coop

07980 224 927

A web page to send and receive text messages to and from groups and individuals: www.thumbprintcity.com

What can you use texting for?

1. To get more people and different people to take part.

Text message: “Community Fun Day 23rd June, 11am to 3pm, Birkby Croft, 9 Crescent Road. Light exercise activities and games: lunch, refreshments, local groups and services.” Sent by Sarah Mitchell, Neighbourhood Manager, Kirklees Council.

Sarah Mitchell, Neighbourhood Manager, Kirklees Council: “They usually only get older people to the event but because I broadcast their text through the service, we had young parents who normally just go to things at the school attending the sheltered housing scheme, and the manager was really really pleased and surprised that this happened.”

2. Do urgent co-ordination.

Text message: “Raw Talent cancelled Thurs 2 Dec 2010 due to weather conditions. Take care and keep warm.” Sent by Shawwna Clough, Raw Talent voluntary group.

3. Send last minute reminders and increase attendance.

Text message: “Bradley TRA will be having their monthly meeting at 25 Alandale Rd, 7.00pm TODAY. Come along and support our community, ALL WELCOME. www.bradleynews.org” Sent by Mandy Tomkin, Bradley Tenants and Residents Association.

4.  Share useful information

Text message: “If you have Vomiting Bug please stay home to avoid spreading, drink plenty of water, take paracetamol, eat light foods. For advice NHS Direct 08454647 open 24/7” Sent by Andrea Vincent, volunteer at TorrAGE Neighbourhood Links, a service for older people in Devon.

It is easy for people to forward useful information you send them so your message is shared from trusted sources on your behalf.

Make the most of communications you are already doing and attract new participants.

People can join your text message mailing lists just by sending a text.

5. Get feedback and consult people by text.

Text message: “How would you like your neighbourhood to be in the future and why?” Sent by Mike, Jane and Amber from the Ordsall Community Cafe.

6. Build a sense of community between your organisation and the people you work with.

Text message: “I WILL B THERE THANKS XX” A reply to a message sent out by Raw Talent voluntary group.

Why is texting so useful?

* everyone has a mobile

* everyone has it with them all the time

* everyone has taught themselves how to send and receive texts

* texts are very welcoming – people aren’t expected to write a lot, to spell perfectly or to stand up in meetings

* people mostly receive texts from friends and family, so they feel connected in the same way to organisations who communicate by text

Thumbprint City: www.thumbprintcity.com

* No software to download

* No “IT support” needed

* Training included (but it only takes 10 minutes to learn!)

Contact

Andrew Wilson

andrew@thumbprint.coop

07980 224 927