Kingston Council launches WhatsApp channel
Kingston Council has launched its first WhatsApp Channel offering those who live, work, study or visit the borough another convenient way to find out what’s going on in their local area.
The borough is trialling its new Your Kingston channel on the world’s most popular messaging app. Residents can sign up be updated about the latest news, exciting events, and activities and services in their communities, directly on their smartphones.
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Follow Your Kingston on whatsapp today
WhatsApp channels offer users a secure and private way to follow what matters to them, subscribing for free to news from their favourite organisations and celebrities. Channel admins and fellow followers don’t have access to information about individuals such as names, profile photos or numbers. Followers can set notifications to read messages in real time, and if they choose, respond with a simple emoji or vote in a poll. Without public or private replies to posts, Channels steps away from the sometimes hostile atmosphere that has turned some users away from other social networks.
“With 80% of adults in the UK already using Whatapp there is huge potential for us to reach our audience as part of a free app they are already familiar with. The trial is set to test how we do this, and if the channel gains momentum. We’re looking at posting a few times a week so user won’t hear from us more than once a day unless there is urgent news to share,”
explains Paula Tribe, Corporate Head, Strategy Communication and Engagement.
Channel followers are also easily able to share Whatsapp channel posts to individual contacts and Whatsapp groups to help keep their friends, families and local communities informed.
“It’s important for local people to feel connected and informed about the work we do at the council. WhatsApp is an additional quick and easy way to stay up to date which we hope is appealing to some of our residents.“
said Cllr Andreas Kirsch, Council leader and portfolio holder for Heritage and Culture.
The new Whatsapp Channel offers no change to getting in touch or sharing your views with the Council. Kingston Council will continue to run its monthly Your Kingston e-Newsletter, social media channels, public engagement and contact centre to support residents.
Kingston Council is the latest local authority to join the growing list of public sector organisations turning their hand to Whatsapp, following neighbours the London Borough of Hounslow, Surrey County Council. The channel will be promoted through the council’s communications channels over the summer.