Enter our competition to find a new way to describe our services for your chance to win £25 worth of M&S vouchers. 

We're joining up what we do so that more older people can get the help they need to live the life they want.

We're going to be talking more to the people who use our services, to other charities and community groups, to governments in Wales and Scotland, regional bodies in England, local authorities, and the NHS.

But we have a problem as we go out and talk to people about what we do. When we talk about 'WRVS projects' no one outside the organisation has a clue what we mean by it. If they had to guess, they'd probably think it was a short-term assignment, possibly involving paper, scissors, and glue.

So we think the term 'project' has to go.

The problem is, what do we replace it with?

Well, that's what we're asking you.

Chief executive Lynne Berry is challenging staff and volunteers to come up with a new way of describing a WRVS 'project' and therefore 'project manager', 'project mailing', etc. too. Think about what our 'projects' do and who they help. And if you volunteer in a 'project' or are a 'project manager', how would you describe your role in the organisation?' without using the 'P'-word.

Send your ideas to Caroline Scotter Mainprize at Garden House, Milton Hill, Steventon, Abingdon OX13 6AD or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it by Friday 31 July 2009. Remember to include your name, address, and where you volunteer or work. A team from marketing, internal communications, and media and public affairs will agree a shortlist, and Lynne will pick the winner.

The creator of the winning description will receive M&S vouchers to the value of £25, and will get to see their word or phrase used by all of us to describe WRVS and what we do.

Spread the word. Please download and print this pdf and stick it up on your noticeboards or walls.

Competition poster [26 KB]

The competition is open to all WRVS staff and volunteers with the exception of the exec team. You stand an equal chance of winning whether you enter the competition electronically or on paper.