Media consultancy

Having worked as both a press relations manager and a journalist I bring together a detailed knowledge of the voluntary and statutory sector and its sometimes uneasy relationship with the media. I have many years experience of knowing what journalists want but also a very sound understanding of the concerns service providers have of ‘exposing’ their service users to media attention. On many occasions I have successfully managed these needs to ensure that the aims of both sides can be met, and both service users and the organisations that support them feel empowered by the experience.

Some of the campaigns I have planned and implemented include:

• For the National launch of the Time for Action training pack for Action on Elder Abuse. I also publicised many conferences and policy responses for this organisation.
• I have worked on various foster care recruitment campaigns including: NCH national recruitment campaign; DoH/Fostering Network campaign: Foster Care Fortnight (2000 and 2001), London Boroughs Fostering and Adoption Network.
• I provided national conference coverage for Association of Community Health Councils, linked to the publication of an independent report on the future of CHCs.
• I managed all promotional aspects of the Believe in Me Awards for the Who Cares? Trust and DFES (national awards for young people in care to recognise adults who had made a significant difference to their lives) which included working closely with 25 different local authorities, with government departments and with the Minister and several celebrities.
• A campaign for Child Safety Week 2006, for which I devised the themes and stories for different stages of the campaign, including putting together a questionnaire for school children on risk taking. I then acted as a media spokesperson for national tv and radio interviews.
• For the Disability Rights Commission I worked on a range of proactive campaigns including aspects of the Special Educational Needs bill, legislation around taxis and outcomes of the organisation’s tribunal hearings.
• During the making of their adoption-drama Little Bird Granada Television Drama Department employed me to advise the writer and producers on social work aspects of the script.
  
  

'Henrietta's creative input provided a fresh perspective for Child Safety Week. She came up with the idea of a questionnaire for children and did all the work around making this possible. She also delivered extra value during the day of the launch, giving around 20 interviews to television and local radio. As a result of her involvement our media coverage increased, despite the Week now being in its 13th year.'

Katrina Phillips
Chief Executive
Child Accident Prevention Trust