West London Mission (WLM) recently launched a new advertising campaign, ‘Are you ok?’ that was designed by Akiko to help vulnerable people during the pandemic.
The campaign is currently running on the WLM social channels with banner advertising across wlm.org.uk and a range of other websites.
The impact of Coronavirus on the vulnerable
The Coronavirus crisis has already had a devastating impact on the poorest in our society with rising levels of unemployment and financial hardship still to come. Therefore it is not surprising that the pandemic has triggered a wave of mental health issues including depression, social isolation, loneliness and addiction. WLM works with individuals who were already in the midst of a crisis and whose situations have now been compounded by COVID-19, leaving them very vulnerable and often deeply anxious.
But there is hope. WLM offers a range of services to help people deal with the different issues they are facing in their everyday lives and especially at this difficult time. The aim of the new advertising campaign, that began in December 2020 in partnership with Akiko, is to raise awareness of the types of support WLM offer.
#notok
In a series of banner ads, the new advertising tells the stories of a selection of people who are struggling and #notok. These include a proud mum who is currently out of work; a drummer who is sleeping rough; a dad battling alcoholism but still coaching his son’s football team and a veteran who has suffered significant trauma whilst serving in the British Military. “The aim of the campaign is to highlight the breadth of services WLM offers to different people of different backgrounds,” commented Roger Clark of the charity. “We know how important it is to give people access to the right kind of support to help them get their lives back on track.”
For some individuals, the opportunity to talk to a professional counsellor in a safe space, about thoughts and feelings, is enough. However, people struggling with physical and mental health issues, alcohol addiction and/or substance abuse need healthcare and specialist support to help them make positive changes to their lives. Financial insecurity is a widespread issue at the moment which WLM is attempting to tackle with a range of finance, budgeting and IT workshops. The charity also works with homeless people and rough sleepers offering emergency shelter in the short term, and the accommodation and employment support they need to get off the streets permanently. In addition, via an ex-military supported housing project, WLM offers routes to stable accommodation and employment to veterans.
David Evans, Managing Director of Akiko was, “grateful that the creative team at Akiko could contribute to the WLM’s fundraising efforts by devising a campaign to show that, for whatever reason, there are vulnerable people out there who need our help.”
Are you ok?
Millions of people’s lives have been affected by the pandemic, but if you’re one of the luckier ones, and you’re ok, WLM is appealing to you to help vulnerable people who are suffering now, more than ever. You can make a donation today via the website at wlm.org.uk/donate to help someone who, right now, is not ok.
How WLM can help
WLM respects the individuality of its service users and offers a range of services across the capital which help them to lead more fulfilling lives. These include:
• A counselling service through WLM Highbury Counselling Centre.
• An ex-military supported housing project, WLM Burgess Park House, offering veterans pathways towards stable accommodation and employment.
• WLM Seymour Place, a service offering support for homeless people and rough sleepers.
• Finance, budgeting and IT workshops through the WLM St Luke’s service.
• WLM Katherine Price Hughes (KPH) house, a high-level support approved premises for high-risk offenders leaving prison.
Akiko felt humbled to be involved in this project and would like to appeal for donations, on behalf of WLM, which can be made via the charity’s website at wlm.org.uk/donate. Thank you.
If you think Akiko can help your organisation, please speak to us today about your project.