It has always been important to our team that we have personal experience of community volunteering, working with young people via youth groups or sports clubs for example, or education. I think it’s what sets us apart from other digital organisations – we haven’t just cooked up Groop as another tech offering that we ‘thought’ would be a good idea. We know from our own endeavours that it’s tough for volunteers to find the time to sort out the rota, share their club documentation, manage the club subs or write a club risk assessment.
Time and again, new and current customer umbrella organisations tell us that this is why they chose us. Because we understand them. If you are one of those customers reading this, then be assured that we literally live and breathe Groop and a bit like an excellent school will discuss a pupil in the staff room, or out of classroom time, we discuss our customers on a daily basis – how we can help them solve an issue, or what new tech development we could put in place to make their tasks even easier.
I think clubs providing something local young people want to take part in, have a much bigger role than most people realise. It’s not just about giving young people something to do, it’s about keeping them safe, providing something stimulating, educating and often inspirational that just might make a significant impact on their life. However, the same goes for older people who attend essential clubs and groups – this might be their only face to face contact all week or fortnight. Think about that.
I know both young and older people for whom that club contact is what keeps them going, week to week.
Sally
