Summer 2011
STARTING POINT Newsletter Number 15 Speed networking event a success Back in May Starting Point held their very first Speed Networking event. With nearly 30 groups in attendance the positive feedback we received was overwhelming. The aim of the evening was for groups at Starting Point to ensure they had all the relevant tools in place to deliver an effective service. Staff from East Thames were available throughout the evening to network with groups on their specific areas of expertise including Fundraising, Marketing, Volunteering, Finance and IT. The focus of the evening was the Speed Networking session where groups could have 2 minutes with each expert to discuss how they could improve on what they were delivering and how they could better structure their organisation. The evening was a roaring success with everyone present asking for similar events to be facilitated at Starting Point. Watch this space for more events!
We also used the event to promote the results of the Customer Satisfaction Survey and to present ÂŁ50 of Starting Point Vouchers to one of the groups who had completed the survey. Seun Oshinaike (above) from Brighter Steppings was the lucky winner. Please see our feature on the next page for more information on how we did in our latest customer satisfaction survey.
For more information, visit our website: www.starting-point.org.uk
Results in for satisfaction survey 2011 A big thank you to everyone who completed the Customer Satisfaction Survey. Our role is now to evaluate the feedback we received and ensure we act on it and use the information to improve the Starting Point experience.
Each newsletter will highlight how we aim to respond to the feedback. Here’s the latest ‘You Said, We Did’ You Said: We do not have storage space at Starting Point as all the cupboards and drawers are taken. We Did: Some groups that had left Starting Point had not emptied their cupboards. Starting Point cleared these storage areas for new groups and has also added a new section on the license agreement stating that groups have 30 days to remove their belongings after their license agreement has expired.
Dagenham Town Show 8 groups from Starting Point were present at the Dagenham Town Show a few weeks ago. You would have found them in the Community Spirit Marquee explaining to people about the services they offer, carrying out presentations and demonstrations
and registering local interest in the programmes they run. They were a credit to Starting Point and an excellent example of the diverse groups and services that can be found under one roof!
For more information, visit our website: www.starting-point.org.uk
The Ripple Centre - the place to build knowledge, work from and meet colleagues
Just ten minutes walk from Barking station, the Ripple Centre is the home of Barking & Dagenham CVS and hosts many other charities and social enterprises that works with and supports communities across the Borough. The Ripple Centre also offers desk space in the Incubation Hub that can be rented out for just ÂŁ75 a month. As well as providing you with a fully functioning computer and modern office facilities, the Hub enables you to work alongside other budding social entrepreneurs to share information and ideas with. Networking is invaluable to any business, and at the Ripple Centre the CVS facilitates it by plugging you into the extensive network, enabling you to make those everimportant first introductions.
Need a place to meet colleagues or hold a training event or function? The Ripple Centre provides flexible space in three spacious and comfortable meeting rooms enabling people to learn, discuss, and explore new ideas, or simply, to get to know one another. They also have a large modern Hall that can accommodate up to 200 people. The Hall has a fully functioning stage, excellent acoustics, a kitchenette and its own secure private car park. The Hall can be laid out for formal functions, conferences, social get-togethers, or celebratory parties and is available to hire seven days a week, 9.00am to 12.00 midnight.
If you would like further information contact: Graham Collins on 020 8532 7310 or email graham.collins@bdcvs.org.uk
STARTING POINT 16 Pickering Road Barking, Essex IG11 8PG
For more information about Starting Point, contact:
in partnership with
Corrine Hutcheson Tel: 020 3288 2111 Mob: 07943 827 987 Email:mail@starting-point.org.uk Nicola Brown Tel: 020 3288 2100 Email: nicola@starting-point.org.uk For more information, visit our website: www.starting-point.org.uk