Description

A private portal to bring Survivors together

The challenge

Care of Police Survivors (COPS) is a peer-support charity that works with the families, known as Survivors, of police officers and staff who have lost their lives on duty. Part of the team’s work was to create a new and private online area, where Survivors could meet together directly, and support one another virtually.

The solution

The COPS team had invested in a robust and fit-for-purpose database, using Blackbaud’s Raiser’s Edge technology. Our approach was to create a custom WordPress portal, which linked the user experience with that database, for a seamless and secure platform.

By linking the two platforms, we were able to create a new way for Survivors to see and update their data and create a profile, which they can choose to share with other Survivors, who are able to search and request a connection. A private News area gave the COPS communications team a new way of reaching Survivors too.

The results

By beta-testing the portal with key stakeholders, and then a select group of Survivors, we were able to make sure the platform stood up to real-life scrutiny and adapt and adjust key functionality before the official launch. Since launch, more than 200 Survivors have already registered on the platform – which continues to grow and iterate over time.