Case Study: Leeds Parent Carer Forum – Enhancing Digital Engagement for Advocacy and Support
Project Overview:
The Leeds Parent Carer Forum is a beacon of hope and support for families with children and young people who have additional needs. As a volunteer-led organization, their mission is to work in partnership with local authorities and healthcare services to improve the quality of life for these families across Leeds. Recognising the critical role of digital platforms in today’s advocacy and community support efforts, the forum sought a comprehensive website redesign and reliable IT support to enhance their online presence and functionality.
Objectives:
- Develop a user-friendly, accessible website that serves as a comprehensive resource for parents and carers.
- Integrate event booking capabilities to facilitate participation in forums and workshops.
- Incorporate a blog section for sharing updates, news, and inspirational stories.
- Provide ongoing IT support for email management and other technical needs.
Challenges and Solutions:
- User Accessibility: Ensuring the website was accessible and navigable for all users, including those with additional needs, was paramount. The solution involved implementing an intuitive design and user interface, along with accessibility features that adhere to web accessibility standards.
- Event Booking Integration: To streamline the process of organizing and attending events, we implemented a robust event booking system. This feature not only made it easier for families to participate in events but also simplified the management process for the forum’s administrators.
- Content Management: The dynamic nature of the forum’s activities required a flexible, easy-to-update blog and news section. A content management system (CMS) was tailored to enable the forum’s team to publish updates and stories efficiently, keeping the community informed and engaged.
- IT Support: Offering continuous IT support addressed the forum’s need for reliable email management and technical assistance. This ensured that communication channels remained open and effective, facilitating better coordination and support for families.
Impact:
The redesigned website for the Leeds Parent Carer Forum has significantly enhanced the organisation’s online engagement and support capabilities. With the new event booking system, families can easily access and participate in vital workshops and forums. The blog section has become a hub for sharing valuable information, stories, and updates, further strengthening the community’s bond. Moreover, the ongoing IT support ensures that the forum’s digital operations run smoothly, enabling them to focus more on their essential work of advocacy and support.
This project highlights the transformative power of thoughtful web design and dedicated IT support in amplifying the efforts of organizations like the Leeds Parent Carer Forum, ensuring they can reach and assist more families with the quality of life improvements they strive for.