Local community organisations received new websites thanks to students at nearby London College of Communication, working in partnership with web development company Wix, helping them build a powerful online presence and reach wider audiences.
Thanks to Community Southwark for identifying and recruiting local community organisations including grassroot groups & BAME-led groups. Many of whom did not previously have an online presence, were supported in developing a fully functional website.
Talent Works showcase at London College of Communication. Photo credit Aleks Faust.
Community organisations receiving new websites include Paxton Green Time Bank, which supports local people through giving and receiving time for initiatives, Faiths Women Community UK, which empowers women of faith, Camberwell Choir School, Panjshir Aid, which supports and advocates for the Afghan community in the UK, Generations4Change which provide young people with life and digital skills, and many more.
Earlier this year, these organisations reached out to students from the nearby London College of Communication for help with improving their visibility through the design of a new website – something they would not have been able to afford via a professional agency.
Students presenting work at the client presentation for Camberwell Choir School. Photo credit Aleks Faust.
As a result of the college’s partnership with Wix.com Ltd., a leading global SaaS platform to create, manage and grow an online presence, students worked closely with design mentors from Wix Playground, to develop new bespoke websites, many now available to view online:
- Paxton Time Bank
- Faiths Women Community UK
- Camberwell Choir School
- Panjshir Aid
- Family Meets
- London Unemployed Strategies
At the conclusion of this year’s Talent Works project, a showcase was held at the College where visitors were able to view the new websites and find out more about the great and inspiring work of all the organisations represented.
Talent Works showcase at London College of Communication. Photo credit Aleks Faust.
Catherine Choi, BA (Hons) User Experience at London College of Communication, said:
“Working on a website was an interesting task for me due to its high association with my field of expertise, but I was also afraid that it wouldn’t be possible in two weeks. However, consistent support and assurance from Wix Playground and LCC staff helped with the design development and formatting of the schedule. Also, cooperating with students from diverse backgrounds was beneficial since we were able to fill in each of our weaknesses with strengths.
Having an exhibition at the end of the programme and getting to talk to the client were the highlights, as all the design meetings had been conducted online. Getting a chance to see work from the other teams broadened my insights and gave me new inspiration. I would recommend the Talent Works programme to other students without industry-level experience, especially since it is a great chance to engage with an actual client in a real-life circumstance. It’s an excellent stepping stone for students before entering their professional industry.”
Maxine Asare, Chairperson of Generations4Change said:
“The students collaborated with us very well, and it was very easy to communicate with them in terms of what we wanted. They touched base with us every step of the way and listened to us. The website is exactly what we needed, it’s fresh and vibrant and will attract the cohort we are trying to reach. I would definitely approach Talent Works again in the future given the opportunity.”
Kat Wesley, Strategic Partnerships Manager at London College of Communication:
“Local community groups do so much valuable work in providing support and guidance but may not always be in the position to regularly update their digital communications. Talent Works provides our students with the opportunity to hone their creative skills while supporting these vital organisations, and this year had even more tools at their disposal thanks to our partnership with Wix. Working with the students, Wix Playground was able to assist them in creating beautiful websites for local organizations. We could not be prouder of the work produced, and look forward to seeing how the groups will continue to use these websites going forward.”
Lee Kenneth, Head of Wix Playground:
“Projects like this represent what Wix is all about – empowering anyone to have a powerful online presence. Wix Playground is dedicated to supporting the education and creative growth of emerging designers. We especially like collaborations like this – teaching students web design skills while giving them the opportunity to work with clients on a real project. Students gain knowledge and experience and non-profits get a beautiful and functional website to help them reach new heights.
Nine Southwark-based community organisations, charities and social enterprises were provided with free websites and media content from thirty undergraduate students, working to design and develop the digital communications with support from the Wix team and London College of Communication academics.
Talent Works has so far helped 122 organisations and provided work for 200 students. The current programme is managed by London College of Communication and Camberwell College of Arts, UAL, in partnership with Community Southwark and supported by Trust for London.”
About London College of Communication, UAL:
London College of Communication, UAL is a pioneering world leader in creative communications education and research programmes geared to preparing students for successful creative careers.
For more information, contact Alex Brent, External Relations Coordinator at London College of Communication – a.brent@lcc.arts.ac.uk
