Fortitude Communications scoop gong at national charity awards

Fortitude received the trophy at the National Charity Today Awards in recognition of its work with Response, Oxfordshire’s largest independent mental health charity.

The glittering event in Peterborough celebrated excellence in the charity sector and the outstanding achievements of charities, organisations and individuals that make a difference across the UK. 

Fortitude was awarded PR Team of the Year after its strategic communications delivery improved the brand awareness, perception, profile and engagement of Response. 

Greig Box Turnbull, founder of Fortitude, said: ​“We’re immensely proud to have received this special award and its testament to our excellent team who strive daily to deliver positive impact for our clients.

“There were so many inspiring stories outlined by the finalists who all deserved to be celebrated and our congratulations go to everyone making a difference in the third sector.”

More than 100 individual news articles and broadcast slots were secured by Fortitude on behalf of Response in the past 12 months covering themes including World Suicide Prevention Day, Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week and National Hoarding Week.

The agency also produced Response’s first showcase video which premiered in June and has used its network to connect those in the charity’s care with experience days at local landmarks.

Making a difference

Shaun Reynolds, account manager at Fortitude, said: ​“Proactive communications is vital to ensuring charities ensure their key messages reach as many people as possible and it’s uplifting to see the important role PR plays celebrated. 

“Response provides a critical service in our community and helping it tell its story via the mainstream media and seeing the positive impact it is having is incredibly rewarding.

“The National Charity Today awards ceremony was an inspiring day and we’re proud to be recognised alongside so many excellent organisations making a difference.” 

Jess Kerridge, senior digital marketing manager at Response, said:​“Having a dedicated PR partner has been vital to supporting our marketing and fundraising goals.

“The team is always on hand, proactive and supportive.

“But what sets them apart is how they have handled the most sensitive part of our work – sharing the stories of people we support.

“This requires real tact and care, and Fortitude has handled this brilliantly.

“We’re delighted Fortitude has been rightly recognised as PR Team of the Year, congratulations.”

Lee B. Rayment, Founder of the National Charity Today Awards, said: ​“Charity PR is about helping people understand a cause, care about its work and feel inspired to act. Fortitude’s recognition as PR Team of the Year at the National Charity Today Awards celebrates the valuable contribution a dedicated team can make to the charity sector. My warmest congratulations to everyone at Fortitude. I hope this award brings real pride and encouragement as they build on their work.”

Founded in 1966, Response works with more than 750 adults and young people experiencing critical mental illness at any given time.

The charity operates more than 200 shared, self-contained and single person houses and flats and helps people work towards living independently and contributing positively to their community via a holistic, trauma informed, recovery focused approach.

Its team also launched a series of free online resources for parents of neurodivergent children who might require additional support during the school holidays.

Fortitude specialises in PR, video production and social media management to help organisations raise their profile and improve perception and engagement via strategic communications. It represents businesses and charities across a range of sectors.