Hidden Voices case study
Hidden Voices
Introduction to Hidden Voices
Hidden Voices is a small project supporting and creating opportunities for BME organisations
in Somerset. They provide direct support in a number of different areas such as filling in forms
and applications, teaching English, providing emotional support and helping with residency issues.
They also arrange international events for a variety of communities. They operate predominately in
the Minehead and West Somerset areas.
Hidden Voices is linked to Somerset Racial Equality Council (SREC) who provide them with a certain level of support in areas such as communication.
Based – Stogumber (Somerset)
Number of staff – 1 part-time volunteer
Key Projects and Outcomes
- Communication - To have in place a good communication set up from the home office including use of broadband
- To have in place a low cost phone solution not requiring landline
- Information Management - To manage and organise Outlook and all files and folders to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
- Website - Put into place a website to provide information on Hidden Voices and other BME groups plus activities, events, and links to other information.
Evolve Actions and Developments
The Hidden Voices project was suffering from a lack of communication as a result of not
having an internet connection or access to emails. As such these were the areas that Evolve
focussed on. We worked with Hidden Voices to set up a wireless network, get them online, provide
email access, arrange suitable anti virus and establish a computer housekeeping program. As a
result they are now able to communicate with all their stakeholders for the first time since the
project began.
We will continue to support Hidden Voices with plans to help them develop a website, and to guide them with appropriate training in key areas.
"It was wonderful to have the help from Evolve. Having been without e-mail facilities for great part of my project and not being able to access my e-mails it was just so great to be able to be functional that I haven't got words to thank you. You don't know how much this means to me and my project"
Miriam Roberston
Hidden Voices