Jon – ADC Communications, latest updates and looking ahead to the summer!
It’s been quite a while since I sat down and shared an update around all thing’s media related. It’s an exciting time and it is great to see a real buzz around the district as young people are enjoying face-to-face Scouting and the success of our LARGEST District event for some time… The Big Weekend at Waddecar Scout Activity Centre (read more about that here). It is a real credit to our volunteers who have stayed engaged, supporting the young people, and collectively shown great resilience.
So, what’s been going on since my last blog? Well, we’ve enjoyed a lot of success in local press/media with several stories reaching Blog Preston, Lancashire Post, Leyland Guardian to name a few…
- 5th Penwortham Scouts – Remembrance Day
- Squirrel Scouts Launch Leyland
- Young People attending World Scout Jamboree
Creating an archive for all our press stories here. I’m really looking forward to reflecting back on the successes we’ve had together in 12 months time.
I’m also keen to share your volunteering stories, and why you choose to volunteer with Scouts and how it’s #GoodForYou. Some of these stories may be featured on our website, social channels or in our newsletters. If you would be interested, please follow the link – To fill out the very short Q&A.
Website/Digital
I’ve had a refresh of our website, updating the site with new images, cleaning, tidy up some of our pages and general upkeep/maintenance and enabling a more digital first approach to make it easier for volunteers to find the information they need. Keep an eye out for a couple of bits dropping in the coming weeks…
I’m looking for committed, passionate go-getters with skills in digital skills to join our new Digital & Engagement Team. If you know anyone that would be interested and wants to find out more:
Media Area – Something from speaking to many of you, was having easy access to brand assets. I’m pleased to say we’ve put the latest videos, key messages, brand assets here for quick and easy download to use on social media, presentations etc.
Social Media – Our profiles are growing organically, though a little slowly. But we’ve excellent growth in our reach, and engagement. This has been further boosted by the Big Weekend. I’ve done a bit of a reset on our Instagram – Using all the brilliant images from the weekend and focused on showing young people having fun, learning new skills. Be sure to check it out and give us a follow.
Print/marketing material
I have to say this is very much the focus currently as we look to build up some District assets to help support our objectives and continue the success we have seen via other mediums. The aim to support our message and brand in the local communities, but also provide your sections/groups with material to support you locally.
You’ll have to look out for us at Penwortham Gala and Leyland Festival, we’ve currently together a plan, but looking to engage with local groups on what they need. Our focus will be around recruitment and why Scouts is #GoodForYou
Scout Speak Up Courses
They are back! If your aged 14-25 or have young people who are passionate about Scouting? Want to help Scouts be seen and heard? Join Scouts Speak Up. This is your chance to improve your communication skills, find out more about social media, learn how to influence local representatives and represent us in the media.
Date: Friday 2 – Sunday 4 September 2022
Venue: Linnet Clough Campsite, Marple Bridge, Stockport, SK6 5NB
Apply for Scouts Speak Up today: here
Later in the year, we will look to bring back the ‘Why’s & How’s Media Sessions’ to support our members in the why’s and how’s of using social media, exploring our brand, and how we speak. So, keep a look out for those…
Lastly, I couldn’t end this update without mentioning the World Scout Jamboree. A couple of weeks back the district with support from friends from across the UK, held a selection day at Bibby’s Scout Farm for 18 young people from around the district. Though we only had 6x places available to make up West Lancs Scouts Unit 55.
We were immensely proud of everything they achieved and completed throughout the day! Not only did you show teamwork, leadership, and resilience — Skills that have helped Scouts become everything from teachers and social workers to astronauts and Olympians. They came together as one and stood up for our environment coming up with some brilliant ideas and pledging to make a positive impact via #PromiseToThePIanet — They really make our communities stronger and inspire positive futures! – You can read more about those selected here and follow their journey here.
I hope to see you all very soon and continue to support each other, keep an open mind and remember why Scouts is important… We offer skills for life, create better communities, and hope! If you need any help, assistance with your communications, or just a general chat. Feel free to reach out at any time!