Tag: social media

World Mental Health Day

World Mental Health Day is a day of global mental health awareness and education, which aims to eliminate the stigma behind mental health. Life, as we all know, can be difficult and these problems can arise and affect many of us in a whole range of ways. How our bodies cope with this can have different effects on our mind and soul. Before we judge one another be mindful of what that person may have gone through, what wars they may have battled and what obstacles they may have overcome or maybe overcoming. It’s time to leave our judgmental thoughts and started looking after each other. The world we live in today faces too much animosity and hostility. We must all learn to love and get along with one another, we all live in one world – it’s time we became one and start working together.

Mental Health in the UK

Around one in four people in the UK will suffer from mental health issues each year, while only one in eight people are receiving treatment for mental health. One in six people in England each week suffer from a common mental health issue such as depression and anxiety.

A total of 70.9 million prescriptions for anti-depressants were given out in England in 2018 by the NHS. This is an increase of 3.4 million from 2017 to 2018. From 2015 to 2018 the number of prescriptions for anti-depressants for young people increased by almost 1 million! From these figures, it is clear to say mental health is an issue which is rising in the UK.

Causes of mental health issues

Mental health issues can affect people for a wide range of reasons. Trauma, loss, isolation, abuse, unemployment and the list keeps going. For many individuals, it’s a various combination of factors/experiences which have lead to negative outcomes. Yet everyone is different, one person’s mental stability will have different variances to what they are more tolerant of than others.

Social media

Over the last decade, social media has grown dramatically making each and every one of us more connected than we ever have been. Developing relationships which are halfway around the world is now a reality. On average a person in the UK checks their phone 28 times per day! It often makes me think what has the world come to, is this right? or is this wrong? or is this just the world we live in today and this is merely just evolution?

Implications of social media

The bottom line is that social media can have a detrimental effect on our mental health. Especially on the younger generation. Who are almost dependable on their mobile device, almost feeling lost without it. I know myself only being 20 that I do find it hard to break away from my device, I’m not proud of this and I do wish I could separate away more easily. Essentially social media is minimizing the human connections we make with one another. Limiting our social and communication skills in the real world because our heads are buried way beneath endless tweets and trending hashtags. Taking us away from the real world and keeping us trapped in virtual reality. Where we only care about our virtual selves and how others view us on various social platforms.

Low self-esteem is something young people suffer with when scrawling down photoshop perfect Instagram profiles. Where the immaculate and perfect image is captured – after hours upon hours of makeup editing and light adjustments! A study found people suffer from envy and self-doubt, as a result of comparing their own lives to those which are deemed to have the perfect lavish lifestyles we apparently all crave.

This leads me to say that it’s no wonder that social media is leading to unhappiness in people if used without caution. Causing anxiety and depression. We’re in a constant battle with ourselves to be better than everyone else, to look and dress the best, when really we should be happy and comfortable in our own skins. However many of generation Z have realised their infatuation with their smartphones and social media and have begun to quit various platforms. In an attempt to restore their mental health.

Volunteering and Mental Health

Volunteering can significantly boost your mental health and well-being. Mental and emotional well-being was found to be better in those who volunteer frequently, and worse in those who didn’t offer their help in any form. Recently universities in Birmingham and Southampton conducted a survey of 5,000 households across the UK. Those that volunteered regularly scored six per cent higher on the health and wellbeing.

Older generations

Voluntary work done by those over the age of 65 is set to be worth £5bn more in 2020 than it was in 2010. Volunteering provides a purpose and meaning, especially to older people who may find themselves more isolated than they used to be. Allowing them to build a social network of friends in which they can meet up with on a regular basis improving the well-being of the volunteer. The association is simple, the higher your well-being the more inclined you will feel to help others. Vice versa, the more you help others the higher your state of well-being.

Unemployed

Those in unemployment tend to have lower self-esteem and mental health. Without employment, people find it hard to motivate themselves for the day ahead. They have no structure, paid income, and feel they have less of an identity. Voluntary work will be able to benefit someone who is unemployed, helping them regain structure in life. Although the work is unpaid and will not be able to replace that aspect, it still gives people meaning and purpose.

Employers are more likely to employ someone has done voluntary work, over someone who has not. Volunteering allows you to acquire skills and knowledge which can be put to good use in employment, demonstrating higher levels of productivity as a potential employee. Also, it’s not just about what you know, it’s who you know to get you in the front door! Volunteering allows people to network giving them the opportunity to meet people they may never have met before, which could lead to great employment opportunities further on.

On a final note

As many of you already know TeamKinetic is a strong believer in volunteering and all the good in which can come from volunteering. But today the most important message of all is to be aware of mental health issues globally. If you suffer from mental health issues seek help and seek advice, don’t be afraid to talk to.

See below specialist mental health services.


The Samaritans offer emotional support 24 hours a day, in full confidence. Call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org.


Mind provides information on a range of mental health topics to support people in their own area from 9.00 am to 6.00 pm, Monday to Friday. Call 0300 123 3393 or email info@mind.org.uk.

Anxiety UK runs a helpline staffed by volunteers with personal experience of anxiety from 9:30-5:30, Monday to Friday. Call 08444 775 774.

MindEd is a free educational resource on children and young people’s mental health for all adults.

milo volunteering

Introducing TeamKinetic: Milo James – The gloves are off!

Milo Boxing (left)

For the last 7 years I’ve been surrounded by volunteers, but I have only now realised their true value in my life.

Boxing is a massive part of my life which over the last 7 years has transformed me to the man I am today.  If it wasn’t for the volunteers behind the clubs I’ve been a part of and represented, I would not be writing this blog.  I’ve learnt volunteers can be a part of many different walks of life and each unique to its own.  My personal experiences have shown me that volunteers can provide a family, a friendship, and create a sense belonging.

Education has equipped me with many skills, however I have developed further attributes from volunteers in boxing which have aided my own professional development at university these include: physical, social, team working and mental skills.  Also, I have developed key traits to my behaviour.  I am focused, hardworking and determined in learning new concepts and ideas to the best of my ability. 

entrance to the boxing club
Entrance to boxing club

Currently I am boxing from a gym in Manchester called Team Northside Boxing Club, I’ve been at this club for 2 years now.  When I reflect on my time at this club, I am overwhelmed by how much I have developed physically and mentally as a person; because of the volunteers which are behind Team Northside.  They consistently push me to reach new heights in my boxing career, and are opening a vast amount of potential for my future pathways, be that behind the pads or behind the gloves.

Education

Setting aside the boxing gloves, my educational pathway has always gravitated towards business.  I chose Public Relations and Marketing at Manchester Metropolitan University as the course opened up opportunities to engage my creative side.  Many modules I’ve completed are real-life working situations professionally developing me for a working career ahead; these have included creating PR and marketing campaigns.  I believe this will help me during my placement with TeamKinetic, as I have an idea of what will be expected from me.  Furthermore, I have developed a true self confidence from working in teams at university when completing real life scenarios. 

In addition to the boost in my confidence was gaining a placement opportunity at TeamKinetic.

“Hard work beats talent, when talent doesn’t work hard.”

A saying not only applicable to the boxing gym but real life, opportunities do not always necessarily come easy but with consistency and a lot of heart anything can be made possible.  It all depends on the determination behind the person, I will ensure I apply this philosophy during my time with TeamKinetic. 

Pass times

In my pass times I am always on a constant mission to further challenge myself by finding new interests and hobbies. Recently I’ve embarked on a new challenge to learn to play the guitar.  I’ve always had a passion for music and various music genres, it was only when I found an artist called The White Buffalo, that sparked an incentive in me to learn guitar.  Ten days in and so far so good, not sure I’ll ever be Jimmy Hendrix… but a man can dream.

On a final note

I have always had high aspirations of where I see myself in life.  I understand that my time at TeamKinetic is a crucial element to my own professional development of not only the existing skills, but the ones I am going to uncover along the way from the support of an exceedingly motivated and professional team behind me.

Milo James
Marketing Coordinator
info@teamkinetic.co.uk

Contact number: 0161 9145757

How to adopt digital technology into your organisation

Evidently, over the last 10-20 years, technology has made big advancements and has impacted almost everything that we do. The debate still goes on however, there are those that have really embraced it and those that want nothing to do with it at all.

Failure to innovate

Volunteer Management Software, Netflix, Blockbusters, Volunteering, Better Impact, Volunteer software, volunteer managers
Netflix Pacman eating a block busters sign

Innovation is the development of a certain value that meets a new need of your volunteers, staff, supporters. In the early 2000s Blockbusters was one of the biggest DVD rental companies in the world. But they failed to innovate and adapt, which led to their demise. Blockbusters didn’t envision a future for digital, after enormous opportunities to take over Netflix. Now, look at who’s leading the way for streaming services world wide.

Toys R Us is another example of an organisation that wasn’t willing to change due to its dominance in the market, that was until Amazon showed up!

With the browsing experience becoming digitised, most of us can find anything we are looking for on our phone from the comfort of our home. Toys R Us could have shifted to offer a fully integrated online experience but instead was left stranded with no online presence and the near-impossible task of catching up.

The take from this is that the world is changing and the third sector just as much as any private organisation will be affected. But the true lesson is small and large organisations alike need to continue to put time and budget into innovation or prepare to fail!

Why all third-sector organisations need to be using digital technology

Technology is present in everyone’s daily life, from how we get about, shop and communicate. So it’s no surprise that technology is developing the connection between volunteers and non-profit organisations.

As of June 2018, 55.1% of the world’s population had internet access. More than 3 billion people around the world now use social media each month, with 9 in 10 of those users accessing their chosen platforms via mobile devices.

So why do all third-sector organisations need to be using digital technology?

Tell your story to the world

volunteering, world wide web, volunteer management software, charity, volunteer systems, Free volunteer management,
World Wide Web image

People can’t support you if they don’t know who you are. So having a strong website is one of the most important resources organisations can have.

A website can also allow visitors to donate, view events and even volunteer for you. Implementing these functions can make it easier to develop relationships with a wider audience and increase support towards your organisation.

Having your own volunteer website allows visitors to interact with your organisation directly. A good website will communicate your mission to the world and showcase your community impact!

Don’t go extinct, get online

Volunteer management software, volunteering, volunteer management system, technology, cloud based, social media, non-profit, charity
Image of social media icons

If you’re not online, you’re pretty much non-existent. All non-profit organisations should be active on social media and engaging with hundreds of potential supporters and volunteers.

Social media can have a huge impact on non-profit organisations. Individuals can volunteer from the comfort of their homes with the use of just a mobile. A great example of this one of our international clients Humanity Road.

Humanity Road pioneered the new generation of humanitarian relief through social listening. When disaster strikes, Humanity Road helps to solve critical needs through innovative applications of technology and the power of social media!

Take advantage of cloud based software

volunteer management software, website, cloud based software, volunteering, volunteer systems, volunteer managers, sport
Cloud based software image

Often the goal for a non-profit is to achieve organisation milestones whilst keeping operating costs down. Switching to a volunteer management software may seem costly, but the reality is, IT’S NOT!

Cloud-based software can save you hundreds even thousands of pounds in the long-term. Having a SaaS (Software as a server) means you only pay for what you need and most cloud solutions scale on demand to meet changing needs.

Good cloud-based software will allow you to work from anywhere in the world as long as you have an internet connection. With more people using mobiles than ever, this on-the-go access can transform and increase opportunities amongst your team.

If you’re still unsure try our FREE volunteer management system and give your volunteer program the revamp it needs.

What TeamKinetic is doing to make a better impact

We believe that technology has the capability to change the world for good. TeamKinetic helps to build better volunteer communities by providing great tools for volunteer managers that save time, make a better impact and improve insight. Our goal is to make volunteering easy for everyone no matter what. But don’t take our word for it, why not check out our customer review

For more information on volunteer management software visit our website or contact one of our team members on – 0161 914 5747

The importance of social media in sport – Telegraph

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sponsored/business/business-sport-series/11691416/social-media-in-sport.html

Social Media can be used to generate participation excitement and growth for your sport. . Are you using it right?

Technology and Volunteering

This article will be the first in a series where we look at the technologies available to volunteer managers. With more ways to communicate becoming available almost every day, we want to look at your options and try and advise which will provide the most bang for your buck.

A quick look at the technologies available to volunteer managers and your volunteers tells you there are more options available than any one person can reasonably manage, facebook, Blogging, twitter, SMS, Instagram, YouTube, Vine and the list goes on. So how do you select the technologies that suit your Volunteers and how do you use them to maximum effect?

Remove Barriers!

Providing an environment for Volunteers with as few barriers to entry as you can, is the best place to start. Technology can be used to simplify and improve the Volunteering experience whilst providing a platform for marketing, advocacy and an open marketplace of opportunity.  It must also be considered that at its worst, technology, can be the biggest barrier to entry due to poor design, ineffective use of data and creating an environment that does not allow Volunteers flexibility and room to grow and develop.

So what lessons have we learnt over the last 8 years of building Websites for Volunteer Organisations?

Can you remember what you did before Google?  How did people get anything done?  Websites are ubiquitous now and peoples expectations from websites are only being set higher and higher.  Expectation is that most tasks can be undertaken on the web when we need to do them, from On-line banking, paying your council tax or ordering a pizza.

From a volunteer’s point of view, what do they need from a website?

We have found through extensive Volunteer research over the last 6 years that the number 1 requirement for Volunteers is simplicity of use.  If the website is difficult to join, offers poor search results and prevents Volunteers from getting on to Volunteer opportunities with a single visit to the site, the chances are it will result in lost Volunteer Engagement.

Clean Web layout for Volunteers
Clean Web layout for Volunteers

You may not be in a position to use a system such as TeamKinetic, so our advice is to build a website with the Volunteer as your customer and always keep your customer in mind. Make sure it’s easy for your Volunteer to find opportunities that suit their interests and finally look at how the Volunteer goes from impulse to Volunteer to actually arriving at that first opportunity, examine that process and look at how you can remove and reduce the various barriers they will face. Don’t make your website an additional barrier.

Implementing a VMS?

If you are lucky enough to be able to look at Websites such as TeamKinetic or some of the other systems that are available on the market currently then bear in mind the following checklist:

Does your volunteer get clear advice and instruction at each stage of the process? (reminders and instructions via Text, e-mail and in their online profile.

Is there someone the Volunteer can contact if they have questions?

Does the system collect feedback on the Volunteer experience that can be used to further develop the opportunities on offer?

and most importantly: is the website easy to use for Volunteers?

If you can find a website solution that meets the criteria outlined above we think you will enjoy success with your Volunteer programme. Over the next few weeks, we will explore some of the other channels of communication, services and technologies that we think you can leverage to enhance and develop the experience for your Volunteers.

If you have any questions or suggestions about technologies available to volunteer managers and how they can make a difference please feel free to get in touch on the details below as we would love to hear what you think.

If you would like to find out more about TeamKinetic then please get in touch and arrange a demo.

I look forward to your suggestions.


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