Small Charity Week is a campaign designed to empower the UK’s small
charities, enabling them to tackle challenges and make a greater impact
on society. Since we launched this scheme in 2011, our volunteers have
completed 150 pro bono projects, significantly helping charities by
applying analytical methods to address some of their key challenges.
Many small charities face funding challenges. Most third-sector
organisations are small; 92% of the National Council for Voluntary
Organisations (NCVO) members have an income under £1 million so have
access to free professional services can be invaluable.
Homelessness Services: A Spotlight on PIEPR and the 999 Club Projects
Addressing homelessness requires innovative and compassionate
approaches, as exemplified by two standout projects: PIEPR and the 999
Club. These initiatives are pivotal in shaping the future of
homelessness services in the UK through Psychologically Informed
Environments (PIEs) and efficient volunteer management, respectively.
Both projects are currently seeking skilled volunteers to drive their
missions forward, providing an excellent opportunity for individuals to
contribute to meaningful change. Advancin
PIEPR: Pioneering Psychologically Informed Environments
PIEPR, a newly established Community Interest Company (CIC), is at
the forefront of promoting Psychologically Informed Environments (PIEs).
This approach, now endorsed by all four UK governments, is recognised
as an effective solution to homelessness. PIEPR aims to expand its reach
and influence, transforming more environments to support social
well-being and address the root causes of homelessness.
PIEPR's immediate goals include establishing credibility with funders
and managing growth effectively. To achieve these aims, they need to
transition from a volunteer-run organisation to a professionally funded
team. This transformation is crucial for supporting ongoing development,
research, and promotion of PIEs in frontline services.
The project requires assistance in structuring their ambitions into a
cohesive strategy. This involves engaging with multiple stakeholders to
test revenue opportunities, identifying potential partners, and
managing the risks associated with rapid growth. Volunteers with
strategic planning and business development expertise are crucial for
helping PIEPR prioritise their business focus areas and secure necessary
funding.
Securing funding and establishing a robust strategic framework will
enable PIEPR to support more organisations in creating nurturing
environments for vulnerable individuals. This support will help put
PIEPR on the map, allowing the potential of the PIE approach to be fully
realised and benefiting countless individuals experiencing
homelessness.
The 999 Club: Enhancing Volunteer Efficiency in Deptford
Located in Deptford, South-East London, the 999 Club is a small
charity making a significant impact on local people in crisis. With over
60 dedicated volunteers, they provide essential services ranging from
meals and mental health support to women’s services through their
Women’s Sanctuary.
The 999 Club seeks an Operational Research (OR) volunteer to enhance
the effectiveness of their volunteer program. This involves assessing
current volunteer coordination processes, including recruitment,
communication, and rota management. The goal is to streamline these
processes to allow the charity to allocate their time and resources more
efficiently.
While the project would benefit from on-site observation and
documentation in Deptford, it can also be conducted remotely if
necessary. This flexibility ensures that the volunteer can provide
valuable insights and recommendations regardless of their location.
By improving the efficiency of the volunteer program, the 999 Club
can better support those experiencing homelessness. Enhanced volunteer
coordination will directly influence the charity’s ability to provide
timely and effective assistance to those in need, ultimately making a
significant difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals.
How to Get Involved
Both PIEPR and the 999 Club offer unique opportunities for volunteers
to make a tangible impact. If you have the skills and enthusiasm your
involvement could help shape the future of homelessness services in the
UK, providing much-needed support to those who need it most. Your
expertise and dedication can drive meaningful change and help create a
more compassionate and effective response to homelessness.
If you can help with either of these projects please complete the
application form by Wednesday, 26 June 2024 via our website at: Open Pro Bono Projects - The OR Society