WhatsApp for Communities

Introduction

Kinloch has an established communication method that uses WhatsApp to keep members of the community informed about all sorts of things. The hamlets of Giffordtown, Edentown and Charlottetown are now being offered the opportunity to create their own ‘group’. Initially, the Community Council Secretary will be the group administrator, but this will be passed to each hamlet in due course.

How does it work?

Residents decide if they want to be part of the scheme. It is completely optional and free. You can also opt out at any time. You need a device capable of downloading the WhatsApp app. Therefore, it’s not going to be something that everyone can do. Each hamlet would have its own individual group, although they can share with each other if desired. WhatsApp was chosen because it is secure (has end to end encryption), can send messages, voice memos, photographs, live video streaming all for free. Free if you are on wi-fi or your data plan with your phone provider allows.

Why Bother?

The benefits are that it is a quick way to send various bits of information quickly to a large number of people. Some examples:

· Road closures

· Bargain at Lidl (other stores are available)

· Tree down

· Power cut update

· Compost delivered

· Does anyone have a key for a water main toby as I have a burst pipe?

In fact, anything that you think might be interesting or useful to your neighbours, or the community as a whole. Extremely useful if things are going wrong, or you need to get information out in a hurry.

There is no downside. If you join up and then find it’s not for you for any reason, just leave the group. It’s easier to follow than email as it keeps tracks of conversation threads in a simple way to view and as mentioned, you can transfer pictures audio and video for free.

How to join?

You can join at any time. At this stage or later. You can leave at any time. There is no cost to you – provided you are on you house wi-fi or have a data plan with your phone provider. To get each hamlet up and running, send an email to the Secretary of the Community council with the following information:

· Your name

· Your phone number

· Your hamlet (Edentown, Giffordtown, Charlottetown)

Send to: giffordtownsecretary@gmail.com