I am adding this in because I have worked with Craig who is a trustee for a Home-Start group. It may be of wider interest than just Home-Starts as I know anyone that has to use a CRM system, even if that is in Excel for small organisations, can be a pain.
Craig is familiar with the MESH system (used in Home-Start) and has provided a database replacement for one Home-Start for storing local client related information.
The following is from Craig:
If you are finding yourself managing your data with complex spreadsheets or still using paper based processes and forms you may require a database application to manage your data and business processes more efficiently.
The attached Database Development Overview gives details of an example database system designed for Home-Start Meon Valley which is used to manage data about the families supported, the organisations and contacts referring the families, details of the referrals and the volunteers working with the families.
This particular example could be easily customised to meet other Home-Start schemes requirements or indeed other charities managing similar data.
For further information and costs, please contact Craig Taylor: cjt@mac.com, 07809 133164.