COLSAL community websites
'Free' websites for community and voluntary groups
We offer a free website service for community and voluntary groups in Salford. We are able to offer support and guidance to build a website, using a set of tools which only requires a fairly basic/intermediate level of computer knowledge. So you do not need to be an IT expert!
What normally happens is that we would schedule a couple of 1 hour sessions, to show a nominated person from the group how to create and make changes to the website, and to plan the content. Typically the websites are used to let people know about the group and any achievements, and welcome new members and volunteers.
Why not take a look at some of the many sites that groups have already build. The hardest job really is planning what you want to publish on the site!
Community website frequently asked questions
Why should our group have a website?
This is a good question that should be top of your list, because if you can’t convince yourselves that you need one, then don’t bother.
Groups who have already built a site have suggested a range of reasons why, and here are just a few:
- to tell more people what the group is all about
- an easy and cheap way to inform members
- to attract new members
Remember there may be no financial cost to your group but there is a cost - your time and that of your group members.
How long will it take?
Planning what you want on the site will take the most time. Once you have done the planning it will then probably take anything between a few minutes to a few hours to build - it will depend on the content.
Do I have to be a computer expert with knowledge of 'HTML'?
No, definitely not. The tool has been designed to make it as easy as possible for groups to develop their own sites without the need for specialist IT knowledge!
Can I have photos and other images on my site?
Yes. Each group who registers with COLSAL has access to their own image library where they can keep images to be included on their website. You can even include a logo of your choice which, once selected, will appear on every page.
Can I have links to other web sites?
You can link to any website and as long it has a current live address, a user will be able to open the page selected.
Our group doesn’t have a computer that is linked to the Internet
You can get on the Internet using the Peoples' Network at public libraries throughout Salford - access is free.
What help is available?
There are helpers available that can work with you to provide advice at every stage but the fun part is that YOU are able to do the work!
Examples of sites already built
Here are just some examples of sites that have been put together by groups:
- Dyspraxia awareness group
- Salford Neighbourhood Homewatch
- Bookbusters Walkden Library Junior Bookclub
- A junior football club
- Local History Group
- A training group
Linking groups together
What better way to make the best of the Internet than to start linking groups together and to make your site easily available to people, not just in Salford but also throughout the world? Salford Speaks attempts to do just this!
Who can I contact if I am interested?
Contact Mike Benjamin at Salford City Council on 0161-793 2996 or email mike.benjamin@salford.gov.uk.
This page was last updated on 18 September 2008
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