Hello 👋 Cumbria Exchange is more than just a website! It can help with a range of requests. For example it can connect you with businesses and people who can write business plans, redeploy unused electronics or offer places on training courses. In fact, the list is endless. So here’s some tips to help you get the most out of Cumbria Exchange.
1. Check out ‘support offered’
Support Offered is a space for our business community to advertise support they can offer. In a typical week the support offered area includes employee volunteering, office furniture, training courses and financial advice.
As you scroll down the page you will see our simple traffic light system which guides you on availability. In the top right hand corner of each ad, you will see unmatched (red), partial (amber) or matched (green). This gives you an immediate indication of availability. If posts are showing as matched (green) then they might not be available.
If you want more information about any support offered post, just click on the big blue button: ‘View Request’.
PS It took us a long time to come up with the title ‘support offered’ 😉
2. Check out ‘support wanted’
Support Wanted is a space for our community groups to advertise support they want. Support wanted is the busiest part of our site.
Before you post your own support wanted we would recommend you look at other requests. As you scroll down the page you will see our simple traffic light system which guides you on what has matched. Don’t just take note of what has matched, click on the matched requests and look at how other groups have written requests. At Cumbria Exchange HQ, we have noticed that the more detailed the ‘support wanted’, the more successful they are.
Remember, you know what you do but a person reading the post might not. Let businesses or individuals know what a fantastic community organisation you are!
3. Speak with H
Remember the opening line to this post? Cumbria Exchange is more than just a website! H in our world stands for Helen and Helen is our super awesome and not so secret coordinator. If you plan on using Cumbria Exchange than consider arranging a chat with Helen📢. Its worth talking to Helen about your group, what you are thinking of seeking support for and seeing whether Helen has suggestions on either how to approach your ask or whether you have ever thought about XY or Z. Pop Helen an email ([email protected]) with a contact number and your availability.
4. Use our guide on how to write a ‘support wanted’ request
If and when you reach the point of writing a support wanted request, consider reviewing our blog post on ‘how to write a support wanted request’.
Have we missed anything? Share your tips and tricks for getting the most out of Cumbria Exchange with us. If you have ideas on future posts, please reach out to Luke Richardson