Almost half of all young people in the UK reported being bullied at least once a week in 2014. Bullying can be one of the most negative influences imaginable, but could marketing be harnessed to protect children from harm?
This month we are highlighting the great work of Ditch the Label, an award-winning anti-bullying charity that provides emotional, psychological and physical support to those in need.
Ditch the Label is looking for strategic communications support for their 400:400 Challenge campaign, which is in the development stage at the moment and will launch in September 2015.
The charity directly supports thousands of young people every year and they partner with schools, colleges, parents/ guardians and other youth organisations to promote the importance of equality and diversity to try to change society and prevent bullying.
400:400 Challenge
The 400:400 Challenge campaign is an exciting partnership that came about when Ben Smith, a big supporter of their work who was bullied as a child, decided to take on a massive challenge to raise funds and awareness for Ditch the Label. Ben is planning to break the world record for number of marathons run on consecutive days by running 400 marathons on 400 consecutive days starting in September. He and other volunteers are working closely with Ditch the Label to engage schools, running clubs and hopefully corporate supporters in this enormous undertaking.
Ben will be speaking to groups of secondary students about his own experience of being bullied and the effect it has had on his life as he travels around the country. Schools and running clubs will be encouraged to raise funds for Ditch the Label and each marathon with be dedicated to a local person who has been affected by bullying or who has worked hard to prevent bullying in their community.
Marketing support needed
Ben and Ditch the Label would love to connect with marketers who can help them to develop and implement a communications strategy that will enable them to achieve the greatest possible impact over the course of the 400 day challenge.
They would also like to hear from any marketer who would like to use their expertise to make a broader contribution to helping them achieve their mission.
Ditch the Label’s work
- Provides pioneering digital advice, support and training for young people through their website and strategic partnerships with key online communities such as Habbo, The Student Room and Twitter.
- Produces pioneering research designed to explore the complex and changing nature of bullying and the wider impact that it has upon the mental, emotional and physical health of young people.
- Provides training to teachers, safeguarding professionals, parents and guardians and other adults involved with young people to share our best practices to help them tackle issues relating to bullying without regurgitating old, dull and ineffective strategies.
- Shares public awareness campaigns to help shape and change societal attitudes surrounding equality and diversity.
45% of young people who experience bullying suffer in silence, so Ditch the Label collaborates strategically with other organisations and individuals to vary the touch points with young people to make support systems more accessible and natural. In the past, they have worked with celebrities, YouTubers, blockbuster movies, fashion designers and music festivals.
If you are interested in finding out more about how you can use your marketing expertise to support Ditch the Label, please get in touch with Anna Mullenneaux, Chief Match Maker at Pimp My Cause, at [email protected].
Newsletter
Enjoy this? Get more.
Our monthly newsletter, The Edit, curates the very best of our latest content including articles, podcasts, video.
Become a member
Not a member yet?
Now it's time for you and your team to get involved. Get access to world-class events, exclusive publications, professional development, partner discounts and the chance to grow your network.