Accessible and inclusive video activities delivered by community enterprises through a vibrant online community specifically for people with a learning disability and/or autism, carers, parents and professionals.
The Buzz was originally set up in May 2020 in response to Covid-19 restrictions to allow community enterprises working alongside our projects in Birmingham and Rotherham to take their activities online. We then extended The Buzz to community enterprises from all our contract areas.
Activity videos were uploaded to The Buzz throughout the week via a Facebook group and then shared on our dedicated webpage on Small Good Stuff at the end of each week.
“[The Buzz] brought colour to our otherwise dull days.”
Julie and Sam – group members
As things evolved it became clear that this temporary stand-in was serving a purpose for people beyond what we imagined and had become a useful resource. The Buzz grew from being a short-term stop gap into a 6-month project.
Over that time, we have shared over 100 videos with accessible and inclusive ideas on things to do at home including: art activities, dance videos, exercise sessions, cooking tutorials, music videos, writing tasks, learning activities, ways to relax, games and more!
All the videos have been created by some of the truly fantastic community enterprise leaders who have been supported by Community Catalysts across the country.
In March 2021 we funded a grant programme to broaden our content on The Buzz. 23 fantastic enterprises produced 41 new and exciting activity videos during April and May 2021. Meet all the grant winners in this video:
Covid-19 means people are still unable to attend centres, colleges and large day services. They can become disconnected and their wellbeing suffers. Local versions of the Buzz can be developed offering people activities to do at home and link people with others in their community such as: local community enterprises, community groups, artists and sports professionals/personal trainers posting videos with activities that people can try as part of a new range of day opportunities which allow people to maintain social distance.
Supporting enterprises to work virtually may lead to them developing an actual offer in the community post Covid. Large day services are likely to be riskier and less attractive for many months. Developing a virtual platform helps small enterprises to assess demand and test/refine their offer.
While the national version of The Buzz is a free resource, some local versions have chosen to cater for a mixed economy where some activities are free and others are offered for payment.
“I have recommended the page to some of the individuals I work with as a Community Nurse and this has been a great source of support for one person in particular. They have done some of the activities and watched some of the videos that are posted on the page. This has been a very encouraging source of support.”
Gize Davies, Senior Community Nurse