Resources | Using LinkedIn to raise awareness of your Meals on Wheels service
Developed by the Meals on Wheels UK project, University of Bristol.
Why this matters
Many Meals on Wheels providers use platforms such as Facebook or Instagram to connect with their local communities.
However, LinkedIn offers a different opportunity.
LinkedIn is widely used by:
- health and social care professionals
- local authority staff
- commissioners
- charities and voluntary organisations
- policymakers and researchers
This makes it a useful platform for raising awareness of Meals on Wheels among people who:
- refer to services
- influence funding and commissioning
- shape local and national policy
What LinkedIn can be useful for
LinkedIn can help providers:
- raise awareness of their service among professionals
- share examples of day-to-day work
- highlight the impact of Meals on Wheels
- connect with local, national and international organisations
- stay informed about wider developments in the sector
What to share
You do not need to post frequently or create complex content.
Focus on low-effort, day-to-day content. Simple updates can be effective, such as:
- a short description of your service
- photos of meals or delivery (where appropriate)
- a simple update about your team or volunteers
- brief examples of how your service supports people
- participation in local events or initiatives
Keeping it simple
Some providers find it helpful to:
- post occasionally rather than regularly
- keep posts short and factual
- use plain language
- focus on real examples from their service
You do not need to use LinkedIn in the same way as other organisations – even a small number of posts can help raise visibility.
Connecting with others
LinkedIn can also be used to:
- connect with local professionals and organisations
- follow relevant organisations (e.g. local authorities, charities, national and international bodies)
- see how others are talking about Meals on Wheels
This can help providers stay informed and feel more connected to the wider sector.
Examples of useful content
Focus on visibility and influence:
- sharing service developments or expansion
- highlighting partnerships with local organisations
- reflecting on demand or pressures facing the service
- raising awareness of gaps in provision
- contributing to wider conversations about ageing, care, or prevention
Final note
Using LinkedIn is optional, and may not be appropriate for all services.
However, for some providers, it can offer an additional way to raise awareness, connect with others, and share the impact of their work.