By Emilie Robinson, Digital News Editor
The Covid-19 Student Response Network (CSRN), a scheme launched by Bristol University students to support charities during the pandemic, involves almost 500 student consultants and has taken off globally.
CSRN and their team of student volunteers, supports charities by offering them advice in areas such as digital strategy, marketing and data analytics.
Originally helping 30 local Bristol charities, CSRN has now connected with 75 charities across 12 different countries such as England, Germany, Sri Lanka and Zambia.
Jack Elliot, CEO of CSRN, has suggested that all of the network’s attention in Bristol will be diverted towards a Beirut response as plans are being orchestrated to secure clients in Lebanon’s capital.
Other charities benefitting from the student’s guidance include Student Minds, Age UK, Women for Women International and FND Hope UK.
Alongside Jack, the summer scheme was also founded by Immy Ireland, Ameya Vikram, Lee D’Arcy and Tom Steggall from 180 Degrees Consulting Bristol.
In response to the scheme’s success, Immy Ireland, Global Director of CSRN said ‘The charity industry has been heavily affected by the pandemic, with 75 per cent of the sector furloughed and most major fundraising events cancelled.
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‘When the pandemic hit the UK, many of our friends had their internships cancelled and we realised that their insight and skills could add real value to a sector which has been devastated by the pandemic.
We’ve been overwhelmed with the level of interest from students across the country, which I feel is a real testament to the student community and their passion to help others.'
The international expansion provides exciting opportunities for a network of student consultancies across the UK such as 180 Degrees Consulting Bristol, 180DC Nottingham, Playfair Consultancy Group, Wonsulting and CoronaUnity.
Immy explained that: ‘More and more students will have access to our exclusive training material, centralised functions (the data team, creative team and research team) and, really, shared brainpower.’
‘On top of this, the global expansion also means that we are able to concentrate support wherever it’s needed most. We’re currently looking at how we might be able to lend support to the Beirut community following the devastating explosion, an endeavour that our global network could make possible.’
CSRN has now connected with 75 charities across 12 different countries such as England, Germany, Sri Lanka and Zambia.
This demonstrates the importance of CSRN’s role in supporting third sector organisations during such unprecedented times while providing invaluable experience to students throughout the country.
Featured Image: CSRN Website / CSRN
You can find out more about CSRN and their projects here. Let us know what you think about the scheme in the comments!
