A Ruddington digital marketing expert has raised money for a charity in crisis after moving her training sessions online.
Shamshad Walker started collecting cash for Headway Nottingham after hearing it was in difficulties. She moved her training sessions online after the COVID-19 pandemic hit and has been asking delegates to donate money to the local charity instead of taking the money herself.
The online workshops she offers include advice on developing marketing plans, blog writing and how to use social media more effectively. She has so far raised £500 for Headway Nottingham, collected over April and May.
54 year-old Ruddington resident Shamshad has run Shamshad Walker Marketing for nine years: “I wanted to help local business owners to learn marketing skills as budgets are very tight at the moment for everyone. I knew Headway Nottingham was struggling, especially during lockdown, so it felt like a good opportunity to help them as well” she says.
“I suppose I have taken them under my wing. They were running an appeal earlier this year as they were in danger of closing and the coronavirus pandemic took attention away from them when they needed our support more than ever. I have raised money and also raised awareness of this amazing charity. All the businesses that have accessed the training have improved their marketing skills and they are now also aware of Headway Nottingham.”
Usually Shamshad helps to co-ordinate the free, monthly Rushcliffe Business Partnership Networking sessions at The Next Episode in Ruddington, too – also currently moved online because of the ‘lockdown’: “During this pause it is important for businesses to focus on marketing so they can come out stronger than ever. It will take time but the sooner they start to promote themselves the quicker the recovery. I have been pleased to offer my training sessions to business owners as well as furloughed workers who are still allowed to train while not working” she says.
Headway Nottingham offers long-term help, rehabilitation and advice to people affecting by brain injuries and their families across Nottinghamshire. The charity’s manager, Charlotte Leask, says: “Headway Nottingham has seen the enormous benefit of Shamshad’s training courses, networking and experience. She has volunteered her time to our small charity to help us boost our online presence and develop our digital marketing. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Shamshad’s unwavering support has eased our workload and raised vital funds.”
Single mum Shamshad has been working from her Ruddington home with son Aden, who has missed out on taking GCSE exams, and daughter Alisha, 19, who has returned home from Lancaster University to continue her studies online.
Shamshad has also become Headway’s social media manager, offering her services for free. She adds: “It is important for Headway Nottingham to keep in the public eye and social media is a brilliant way to do this.”
{TOP PHOTO: Shamshad Walker, left, and Headway Nottingham’s manager Charlotte Leask}
