Shrewsbury Dial-a-Ride and Arriva step into each other’s shoes
Have you ever wondered what it might be like to be the general manager of Arriva Midlands’ Shrewsbury depot?
Linda Cox, development manager of Shrewsbury Dial-a-Ride, has recently found out after she took part in an exciting new pilot scheme run by Shropshire’s Voluntary and Community Sector Assembly called ‘Step into my Shoes’.
The idea behind the scheme is simple. A charity or social enterprise is paired up with a private company, and a member of staff from each organisation commits to step into each other’s shoes for a day.
The aim of ‘Step into my Shoes’ is to improve cross-sector understanding through giving people the opportunity to find out more about each other’s work, and to explore some of the similarities and challenges experienced by both sides.
Sonia Roberts, Chair of the Shropshire Voluntary and Community Sector Assembly, said:
“It works a bit like a dating agency. Charities or businesses tell us what they are looking to get out of the experience and we find them a suitable match. We know that voluntary organisations in the county find it difficult to make approaches to businesses, and this scheme provides both parties with a brilliant opportunity to experience a day in each other’s lives.
Andy Pearce, General Manager of Arriva Midlands’ Shrewsbury depot, said::
“This is a great opportunity to meet with businesses in the local community and experience their day-to-day work. I would definitely recommend this scheme to other companies and their staff. It really can help the respective businesses to understand and appreciate the trials and challenges faced by others working in the same field.”
Elaine Nesta, Managing Director of Alpha Design and Marketing, and Davina Allen, Co-ordinator at Bridges, a Telford-based educational charity which raises awareness of global issues, also took part in the scheme and gained some valuable insight into how each other’s organisations operate.
If any organisation (business, voluntary or social enterprise) is interested in taking part in ‘Step into my Shoes’, please contact Daniel Brockley at Shropshire Voluntary and Community Sector Assembly on 01743 252768 or email daniel.brockley@shropshire.gov.uk.
