Oxford PR agency nominated for national award

Fortitude Communications has been confirmed as a finalist at the National Charity Today Awards in Peterborough in October where its team has been shortlisted in the PR Team of the Year category.

It comes one year after Fortitude – founded by former Daily Mirror journalist and Oxford United MD Greig Box Turnbull – partnered with Response to strengthen brand awareness and improve the charity’s perception, profile and engagement. 

More than 100 individual news articles and broadcast slots have been secured by Fortitude on behalf of Response 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.

Profile raising

Shaun Reynolds, account manager at Fortitude Communications, said: ​“Our awareness of mental health and how to proactively seek help when required has grown exponentially in the last decade.

“And yet the number of people experiencing mental health challenges continues to be at an unsustainable level.

“Response sits at the heart of helping those leaving statutory care to transition back into independent living and contributing positively to their communities through supported housing and a holistic approach to care.

“Helping the charity to communicate its previously untold story into the mainstream media has been a genuine highlight, and we are so pleased it is making a tangible impact to the work of those on the ground.

“We’re looking forward to attending the awards ceremony and congratulate all the finalists.”

Supporting fundraising

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 wish the team every success at the awards ceremony.”

Lee B. Rayment, founder of the National Charity Today Awards, said: ​“We are delighted to recognise Fortitude Communications as a finalist in the National Charity Today Awards.

“Its work reflects the commitment, care and positive impact that the Awards were created to celebrate, and we look forward to welcoming its team to the Gala Lunch.”

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.

The free guides were launched in response to overwhelming demand for the charity’s newest mental health centre in Thatcham, Berkshire, which already has a waiting list greater than one year despite opening officially in October.

Communications specialists

Fortitude specialises in PR, video 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.

Response’s free online mental health resources can be downloaded via www​.response​.org​.uk/​m​e​n​t​a​l​-​h​e​a​l​t​h​-​r​e​s​o​u​rces/.

Further information about Fortitude Communications is available via www​.for​ti​tude​com​mu​ni​ca​tions​.com.