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Both papers are particularly interested in good news stories from local charities, developments in the sector and how they affect local charities or particular issues or theme that your organisation is trying to address- such as homelessness, environment etc and the difference that you make to communities.
If you would like help developing a full-page feature or would like an article in the voluntary voice section, please email Tariq: vol@ocva.org.uk for further information.
The articles that have been published are listed below:
For the second year running, Year 12 students have been participating in M.A.D week, ‘Make A Difference’, giving sixth form students the opportunity to volunteer. Various charities from across Oxfordshire came to Bartholomew School earlier in the year to find volunteers to help them with various tasks, from marketing and fundraising to activities and DIY. Over 50 students participating in M.A.D Week have developed many skills that will help them to understand the importance of voluntary work, and develop their soft skills, such as communication, confidence and teamwork.
The 14 charities involved in this year’s M.A.D week included Healthwatch, MHA Homestead, Modern Art Oxford, Yellow Submarine, Community First Oxfordshire, Guide Post, Crocodiles of the World, Madley Park Care Home, Age UK, Connection Support, GLL Better, North Oxfordshire Community Centre, and Oxfordshire Community and Voluntary Action (OCVA), who helped co-ordinate the project with the school. The charities felt that students bring in fresh ideas, energy and enthusiasm to the discussions and decision making.
The M.A.D week of volunteering has taught Bartholomew students the importance of voluntary work not only to the community, but to themselves in helping to develop many skills.
Twitter: @madweekoxon
Facebook: M.A.D Week (@madweekoxon)
Instagram: @madweekoxon
Website: M.A.D. Week
Oxfordshire’s first M.A.D. Week was a huge success with 54 Year 12 students from Bartholomew School spending the week of the 10th July out and about with local charities making a difference. We’re busy analysing the feedback and planning a celebration event for September, but you can still watch the videos produced during the week and see photos of the activity on the Facebook page.
If you have questions about the week or would be interested in bring involved (either as a school or charity) in a future year, please email vol@ocva.org.uk or call 01865 251946.
The M.A.D week of volunteering has taught Bartholomew students the importance of voluntary work not only to the community, but to themselves in helping to develop many skills.
Twitter: @madweekoxon
Facebook: M.A.D Week (@madweekoxon)
Instagram: @madweekoxon
Website: M.A.D. Week
OCVA are working in collaboration with Volunteer Link-up as part of an innovative partnership with Bartholomew School in Eynsham. The pilot project, which goes by the name of M.A.D. (Make a Difference) Week, involves 60 of the schools’ Year 12 students. The students will be spending the week beginning 10th July with a local charity, community group or social enterprise on placements which have been designed to be empowering. 10 organisations in West Oxfordshire are part of the pilot which aims to build lasting connections between students and members of their local community and a commitment from students to organisations that will extend beyond the week itself.
During MAD Week the students will be given responsibility for undertaking research, running events and engaging service users; enabling them to develop the core competencies and soft skills demanded in an increasingly competitive job market; whilst their energy and fresh perspective will help charities to reach a younger audience and encourage them to reflect on their current ways of working. We believe this to be the first week of its kind in Oxfordshire and are excited about the potential to develop this model in future years – working with other Oxfordshire schools and charities to make an even bigger difference in the county.
The students have played an active role in selecting the organisation they would like to volunteer for in July. All students attended an information event at school in which they heard from all 10 organisations as part of a mass speed dating activity. The students listened to a 5-minute pitch from each organisation and subsequently recorded their preferences. The students have now met with their chosen charity in an initial planning session in school. This was an opportunity for groups and students to get to know one another, identify strengths and areas for development and generate ideas for the week.
OCVA will be working with a team of 6 students for the week whose role is to capture the activity as it unfolds. The students will be developing their own website and Facebook page, appearing on BBC Radio Oxford, writing press releases and producing a short film to showcase the highlights from the week. Links to material produced by the student reporters will be made available from this page in the build up to and during MAD Week. If you are a school or community group with questions about the organisation of MAD Week and plans for its development in Oxfordshire in the future, please contact us.
