Hails & Fails – October 18th 2024
It was a lively week, with world events taking the spotlight, including political shake-ups and tech breakthroughs.
In the world of PR, the Parkrun initiative is helping to raise awareness around mental health, showing the benefits of exercise. Meanwhile, the ‘Mars The Label x CoppaFeel!’ Collaboration encouraged self-checks for breast cancer. Thankfully, the only storms we faced were the ones that brought attention to important causes and helped spread some much-needed positivity.
HAILS
Parkrun World Mental Health Day
Parkrun launched its ‘Just What the Doctor Ordered’ campaign for World Mental Health Day. The aim of the campaign is to promote the benefits of physical activity for your mental health. The campaign involved ‘prescription posters’ to highlight how Parkrun events, such as a 5k, are often recommended by doctors for treating anxiety and depression.
This is a great initiative because it normalises physical exercise as part of mental health treatment, encourages community engagement and makes mental well-being more accessible through regular events.
Isobel Wragg – Account Executive: “The Parkrun campaign is so poignant because it highlights how social exercise is often prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety and depression, making mental health support feel accessible to everyone. By using “prescription posters,” it cleverly bridges the gap between medical advice and community togetherness.”
CPR Bra – It's Okay to Save My Life
This campaign is aimed at the shocking but significant gender disparity in the administration of CPR. Research shows that women are 27% less likely to receive CPR than men, due to bystanders feeling uncomfortable touching or removing clothing from a women’s chest during resuscitation.
The CPR Bra is an educational tool designed to break the taboo and remind people that fast action is essential during cardiac arrest. The campaign is encouraging the public to overcome hesitation and learn that performing CPR is on a woman is no different than on a man.
Lucy Jones – Junior Copywriter: “It’s crazy that we’re only just working out this gender gap in CPR in 2024. But what a brilliant campaign to address the taboo and consent to compressions!”
Mars The Label X CoppaFeel! – Feeling Yourself with Mars
This campaign is promoting breast cancer awareness, especially among young people to check their bodies for early signs. CoppaFeel! are a charity that help to raise awareness about breast cancer, the collaboration merges fashion with health advocacy and also combines self-love with health advocacy.
Fern Wilson – PR Account Executive: “It is amazing to see a fashion brand highlight such important topics like this, as it may reach a wider and younger audience who are less aware or mindful of the potential symptoms of breast cancer.”
FAIL
TMZ faces backlash over Liam Payne photos
TMZ posted photos of Liam Payne’s body following his tragic death in Argentina this week. The images, shows parts of his body with recognisable tattoos. This caused huge backlash as many thought that TMZ had crossed ethical boundaries and disrespected Payne’s privacy and dignity, as well as his family and friends. TMZ soon removed the photos.
Ella Conway – Account Executive: “There’s no justification for exploiting a tragedy for clicks, this is a glaring example of irresponsible journalism. TMZ has crossed an ethical line, showing a blatant disregard for Liam and his family’s dignity. Media outlets should always prioritise sensitivity and responsibility when lives are involved.”
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