Category: RFS

Week 10 –

Updates

I decided to make some content changes.

Social media:

• I realised I hadn’t considered typography enough in past posts and later in the week came across content from Street Storage.
• I was inspired by their typography and how their feed looked:

• Consequently, I started implementing similar ideas with this week’s ‘Favourites of the Week’. Our content is very different, so the style isn’t the same, but it helped me reflect on the feed’s aesthetic for the future. It’s something that can help content be distinguished and recognisable.
• I liaised with workshop volunteers, asking for pictures of items they’ve upcycled/repainted/upholstered and about the context of the items, e.g.:

• This was helpful to schedule content for a few weeks

Lastly, I was invited to observe and add to a conversation between the manager and a volunteer around surveying customers

• The need to consider customer responses with feasible response collection, made it a difficult decision. So I found observing this first-hand insightful
• As an initial conversation to revisit, I was reminded that these decisions take time, they’re hard to make and there are various considerations

Week 11 –

Delivery drivers

I joined the delivery drivers to capture their day doing deliveries and collections and got started on creating posters.

In shadowing the drivers, I:

• Took videos, but also some pictures (asked for permission)
• Asked them personally about what they do and met customers

I found this really beneficial, not just in getting content, but understanding their roles on a deeper level while building connections in the team

• From the content, I had a couple ideas of how to use them so I edited one, a short ‘rain video’:

www.instagram.com/reel/DSSxseZDNth/

• I made sure I implemented information about RFS with the new typography

Additionally, I had a discussion with the manager about various posters I can make, to help volunteers and customers understand e.g. item prices, to promote RFS in other locations etc. This was exciting, to have another project but also make important materials:

Starting with a price grading poster, including explanations of our item grading system:

• I wrote an explanation, which I then changed to create a clearer, more concise version
• Realising I was stuck on whether the new method made sense, I decided to come back later
• I immediately recognised it wasn’t accurate, reverting to the previous method to show the manager:

I was also provided feedback:

‘produce a print file with “bleeds”‘

• Having sent a PDF in CMYK, I assumed it was ready for print, but this was insightful as I was unfamiliar with ‘bleed’
• I was able to add it and send the new version over

Week 12 –

Holidays

I designed posts for the holidays and started a new poster.

With approval of the price grading poster, I moved onto the price list poster:

• This was challenging, as I was summarising a spreadsheet with every item and every price grade, plus images, into a Canva poster. But, I still enjoyed the process
• I created a design I felt was clear, only including some items, to show the manager before moving on, in case of changes
• I was glad I did this as the feedback was to use Excel instead. Considering the prices/items may change in future, they would need to import the information and easily place images (not possible in Canva)

With holidays approaching, I needed to create an opening hours post:

• I looked into inspiration of potential designs, and last year’s post as a guide
• I used a picture I took while shadowing the delivery drivers, as I felt it represented RFS as a whole, and included graphics and the new typography
• For clarity, I tested just including each date without “Christmas Day” etc., but felt it would be more recognisable without this
• I also thought about ways to summarise the information further than last year’s post, so I removed 23rd December and added a range “26th – 29th” as a closing day

Lastly, I wanted to make a Christmas version of the Favourites of the Week (FOTW):

• Decided it should provide present suggestions
• Liaised with warehouse volunteers for recommendations

With the new typography, I also thought about making ‘covers’ to further the feed’s aesthetic for FOTW. But, I didn’t implement it as I felt it may prevent audience engagement

• Since this is a Christmas version with new information that would be difficult to fit into a normal FOTW post, I created a cover and planned to test out engagement
• I decided use the same format as the ‘opening hours’ post for the feed’s aesthetic, which included the new typography:

Week 13 –

Posters

Created a ‘Day in a Life’, resolved Excel issues and scheduled a graphic.

• I worked on the Excel poster, designing it so it doesn’t look like a spreadsheet. Despite my little knowledge of Excel, it wasn’t too difficult, so I formatted the design
• However, as mentioned, a significant reason for using Excel was to easily place pictures, and although it’s possible, it didn’t work
• Consequently, I moved to the app, which allowed other features I needed. But, still no ‘place picture’ option. I researched and realised I have an outdated app
• I’m glad I researched this beforehand, as I was able to thoroughly explain this to the manager. We decided to get back to it in the new year, using a monitor
• He also suggested keeping the spreadsheet style instead for future updates

Since signing into TikTok and Bluesky, I’ve been uploading past posts:

• TikTok – weekly FOTW with ratings & Reels. I’ve adapted the typography here too
• Bluesky – realised there was much more content I could’ve posted than I originally thought = updated my content calendar and uploading

Next time, I will better consider all platforms. I also followed organisations/individuals to increase feed content and build a community.

From the delivery driver videos, I created a ‘Day in a Life’:

• I included figures about what they do, and insights from asking questions
• Contrastingly, for LinkedIn, I used a picture I took and placed this information in the caption to suit the platform

www.instagram.com/reel/DSp9YrsDLcy/

I sent it to the manager, receiving the feedback below, and from staff:

“Perfect. Really good. Well done, it’s good to go. You should be very proud and happy with that.”

Finally, I made a Christmas and New Years graphic

• In the past I had a format for graphics which I tried but felt didn’t work
• I made many changes and realised I could use the same format as the opening hours post as, luckily, staff previously told me about new Christmas van decorations which I captured. I felt it helped represent RFS while being relevant.
• Consequently, I decided to continue using this format in future, adding to recognisability

Week 6 –

Woodstore

Started on a Trustees post, filmed a woodstore volunteer to try shorter form content and continued the report.

Started with admin and came across ‘#TrusteesWeek’ on social media, where charities thank their trustees. I worked on our own by:

• Researching each trustee for the design & caption
• Finding design inspiration (after struggling with ideation) and Trustees Week’s bank of graphics, deciding to spotlight them
• Using Canva to design a video graphic for the first time
• Asking for description feedback from the manager, to accurately align with their expertise

I was glad to have utilised Canva’s video editor, learning how it works and applying my editing knowledge. However, I felt the brand colours/fonts were limited, so found it tricky to align with them. Therefore, I chose to change the font, considering the manager didn’t previously find it important. Moreover, in future, I will research inspiration and graphics before ideating myself to save time. 

I liaised with workshop volunteers, asking a woodstore volunteer if I could film him upcycling wood to create decorations:

• Inspired by Petit Miracles who have short videos that garner lots of engagement
• Showed him my inspiration & reassured him there’s no talking/it’s faceless
• Captured the process in 15 minutes as the preparation was beneficial

I was nervous to film, as I wasn’t sure what was going to take place, but I stuck with what I did know: to capture as much as possible. He encountered a problem so the final piece couldn’t be completed and captured, but considering my aim (create a short video of the process), I quickly realised it can be resolved by showing a pre-made piece.

Lastly, I used my notes and Excel sheets to continue designing the SROI pages. Being a complex concept, I asked for clarification multiple times, which helped. It also takes lots of space, requiring: referencing, figures, calculations, definitions etc. I decided to change the drafted layout I previously made and discussed best formatting with the manager:

Week 7 –

Explore

Created many posts, captured content at the Explore programme and designed invitations.

This week I felt slightly overwhelmed as:

• I was behind in content
• After making fixes to the Trustees post and report, was informed of further changes
• Informed by the coordinator about creating a poster for an upcoming AGM, and a collaborative post

Consequently, I:

• Communicated my immediate deadlines to the manager 
• Continued breaking down my tasks for each post
• Decided to revisit the report/poster later

Therefore, I could schedule 3 posts, including the collaborative post, ask about the poster details and show the manager the new SROI design, which he liked. So, this was beneficial in getting me on track and less overwhelmed. I will take this experience into the future.

Additionally, our partner charity Shepherd’s Star, holds an Explore programme described as:

“Offering a welcoming first step on the journey of personal growth…”

This is through e.g. personal development workshops. Some RFS volunteers and the manager are requested to undertake woodworking workshops, so I:

• Captured content
• Made connections with the co-founder and those participating
• Found filming in a smaller group of individuals I’m not familiar with out of my comfort zone, as they may not want to be filmed. However, after my role was introduced to participants and I was informed of who didn’t want to be filmed, my confidence with filming built, helping acquire good content.

Moreover, I edited the decoration video, of which, the edits were deleted. Despite the inconvenience, I decided to quickly re-edit to easily recall the edits previously made, resolving it:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQ9luRejBAl/?igsh=MXNoenBkaHdqajB1Yw==

Other social media:

• Was messaged the below on Whatsapp, which was great to hear:

“Social media is looking good”

• Posted Trustees post – manager sent it to the Trustees to check, and reported back that I was doing well based on responses. I was pleased to hear this.

Trustees Post:

https://tinyurl.com/2dw4sw8x

It was also further reposted:

Week 8 –

Fully drafted report

I started drafting posts on new platforms, edited a video and made final edits to the report.

After having issues with it, I was able to sign into TikTok and Bluesky. This was necessary as I drafted past Instagram posts for TikTok, especially ‘Favourite of the Week’ posts, as my initial idea was to rate items on TikTok to align with trends:

I checked with the manager before:

“Looks great”.

It was great to finally complete my idea and have approval.

Additionally, I was informed about Buy Nothing New Day from the Reuse Network, and decided to post this on Bluesky considering its aim (plus other platforms):

• I posted a graphic and used an article to inform different captions for audiences on LinkedIn and Instagram, while explaining the benefits of reusing and promoting RFS with call-to-actions. I will use this strategy in future.
• I found Bluesky had a word count, so cut down the caption and decided not to use a graphic but a link to the article, considering Bluesky’s text-based and the call-to-action heavily related to it:

I edited the Explore programme video, figuring out if it should be ‘behind the scenes’ or something different. I decided to include a question prompt with a reveal at the end, inspired by Petit Miracles. This was for entertainment and engagement, while highlighting what the programme is and what RFS is doing to create a short, purposeful video:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DRPn7cuDI7T/?igsh=NzZydXV4aTk1ZjYx

Finally, the manager sent the report to a volunteer and mentioned that the SROI figures weren’t fully grasped. I made changes and moved the sources to the last page, as agreed, learning the importance of explaining and highlighting the figures:

This was the final draft (before the last stage of sending it to the Trustees).

Week 9 –

AGM

I attended the AGM/party to take pictures/videos, which helped plan content for a few weeks and maintain connections with other volunteers.

I was invited to capture videos/pictures for the Annual General Meeting that took place in the warehouse, including both a meeting and Christmas volunteer party. Considering its location, there was preparation taking place, like moving furniture.

• I decided to create a ‘getting ready’ carousel, thank you post and figures post
• Consequently, I paid attention to, and asked if there were any developments in setting up
• I had a catch-up discussion with the manager to clarify anything

Doing all of this helped me acquire the correct content, adaptable for Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn, of around 3x content pieces over 3 weeks.

Additionally, a couple screenshots of the report were used in the presentation, and I was shouted out during the Q&A, which was motivating:

Other social media:

• Decided it was important to include a non-promotional post. I posted about the decorations in the warehouse, with a slightly humorous tone. I should implement this more often, if possible.
• The collaborative post gained many views and likes. This collaboration was between RFS and a Football Club, who wanted rustic-looking planters made out of pallets.
  • I was provided pictures and requested to post this so I confirmed messaging with the requester, who wanted an in-depth caption
  • I took notes of our discussion, which was beneficial so I could pay attention in writing to ensure it flowed well
• This suggested I should also post collaborations more often, if possible, as it reaches multiple audiences

Collaboration Post:

https://www.instagram.com/p/DRKe0UwDDE8/?igsh=MWVlM2QzejhwYXB1eg==

Image Taken from RFS website

Week 1 –

The Warehouse

Training in the warehouse to learn about the system used alongside customer services, before getting into social media/marketing.

Through research beforehand, I knew what RFS’ aims were, but this week gave me inside experience into exactly how we meet them:

“Making Homes, Protecting the Environment, Building Community”

Not only did it improve my knowledge, but it will inform my content creation in understanding our messaging, audience etc. and gave me content ideas, like a ‘Favourites of the Week’ carousel of warehouse items.

It reminded me that strategy is important, e.g. everything we sell are donated items, so content should reflect its importance. 

Additionally, having never worked an official formal role before, especially in customer services, I was anxious about customer interaction. However, on my second day I offered to independently serve someone while the manager was unavailable, learning that I enjoyed it and will take initiative.

Week 2 –

Reports

This week I was directed towards creating an impact report, started designing it, began capturing content and also shadowed the Richmond Council Communications Manager.

I had a few meetings with the CEO about designing an impact report and its considerations, like branding and call-to-actions etc. I was also provided an example from a partner organisation, to be inspired by (below).

Although I was worried as I had never designed an impact report, my notebook note-taking played a huge part in ensuring I knew what to include without feeling overwhelmed, so I was excited to try it out.

In designing, I struggled with the brand colours as they were quite limited. Consequently, I first designed with a specific colour palette, and later created another option to choose from. This was beneficial to make decisions efficiently:

I was strategic in ensuring it met its objective of showcasing impact, by creating 3 main sections based on their aims. I then analysed data, collected within their Microsoft Power BI dashboard, to summarise as graphics and statistics (instead of sentences).

The Communications Manager for Richmond Council also visited us to capture content that will be posted on their social media for Circular Economy Week. I shadowed her process: finding multiple locations within RFS and taking photos alongside videos for options, to efficiently meet her brief. Therefore, I gained insight into content creation in a professional context and made a connection.

During the process, I took my first social media photos, plus photos of furniture items I liked for the ‘Favourites of the Week’ idea:

Week 3 –

Favourite items

Drafted posts for Instagram and LinkedIn, and also TikTok to start planning how to expand content. Presented my impact report, so far, to the Co-Founder of Shepherd’s Star and the RFS CEO for feedback.

The content I captured last week, I used to draft my ‘Favourite Items of the Week’ idea. For the Instagram post, I highlight my favourite items, so I selected photos accordingly. For TikTok, I also wanted to rate these items to align with trends for engagement, so I selected extras I thought were suitable:

For LinkedIn, I used the photos I took while shadowing for a ‘Behind the Scenes’ post, as it had a professional message that aligns with LinkedIn’s audience:

I optimised each post according to platform by varying: post size, copy, tags and hashtags, helping align with each audience. I included call-to-actions pre-written by RFS and music on the Instagram post. Moreover, I started testing specific posting times to help inform future posts. Ultimately, for better engagement and to increase visibility, driving viewers to RFS.

In presenting the report so far, I made a connection with the Shepherd’s Star Co-Founder (who created the example report, above). I also received constructive criticism from the CEO for report refinements. I found that I didn’t take it personally but rather took it as an opportunity to improve. I was, however, nervous in the process of backing up my decisions where needed, as this required confidence to further decision making, but my note-taking prevented overwhelm.

Week 4 –

The Fair

I attended the Full of Life Fair to film a video. With this, social media requests and my own spontaneous capturing of content in mind, I needed to improve my organisation.

I decided to design a content calendar noting: ideas, target audiences, aims, posting days and platforms. This provided clarity, helping me post on schedule and know what I’m doing day-to-day:

The Full of Life Fair, hosted by the Richmond Council, aims to supply older residents with information for their wellbeing. I was requested to join my managers to capture content, plus create an announcement post of our attendance. For the caption, I looked into previous posts to align with the approachable but professional tone and included an emoji for visual engagement. I went back to a previous caption to do the same, and kept it in mind for future captions:

I planned a behind the scenes video for the fair, researching the fair and looking for inspiration from others in the industry. I thought of its aims:

• Personable through visuals, contrasting other posts
• Informative through insights in the caption

and where it can be posted to maximise engagement (LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok), by researching what performs well on each platform.

Inspiration:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DP4B63EgroZ

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPvPT3ZiDvY

At the fair I:

• Took footage (with permission from individuals)
• Shadowed the Digital Communications Officer for Richmond Council, who created video interviews with the Mayors and Councillors in attendance for their opinion on the fair
• Asked them interview questions and watched the process

The Mayors/Councillors were understandably preoccupied, so it was disorganised and chaotic to film. However, I adapted to balance my tasks, found it exciting and learnt how filming works practically, which is to attain much footage. 

As the organisers were unable to ask everyone for permission, I found it tricky to navigate filming, so I avoided showing faces by filming attendees’ from behind.

Week 5 –

Editing

Used the constructive criticism and additions to improve the report and edited the FOLF reel, making decisions about its aims.

Previously, I was provided areas for improvement alongside the next steps for the report. This included, e.g.:

• Understanding the data dashboard better
• Using the Annual Report (2024-25) for data and consistency in phrasing words
• Defining terms and changing some graphs
• SROI and social impact value additions

Using my notes and extra resources provided, I made these and more improvements. I also kept these improvements in mind, by ensuring I included them in new pages I designed.

I added SROI sections across 2 pages, understanding its aim to make decisions of what to include to avoid overload. This followed with another meeting where I was told it was very good, with some corrections. I was pleased to know it’s meeting expectations and felt I had further clarity on how the organisation works.

Additionally, I looked into insights on each platform I use to better understand what timing works and what content to continue posting, e.g. behind the scenes posts and posting after 4pm on Instagram/Facebook.

With the FOLF footage, I was pleased to have focused on filming behind attendees as I had enough footage. There were a few issues I resolved while editing:

• The focus was on promoting the fair = I cut it down to focus on what RFS does
• My plan was to have event insights in the caption, but there weren’t specific insights to discuss = adapted this to include RFS achievements and, in future, will better understand the event to plan accurately

I also posted the ‘Favourites of the Week’, feeling as though I should finish the series soon as the audience may not want them anymore. However, an upholstering professional with 182k followers (Instagram) commented:

“Great idea to have a favourite of the week post. Love it”

which motivated me.