Mercy Ships UK

Charity Public Relations / Current

Introduction

Media House currently handles all UK PR for this global hospital ship charity and liaises with the UK and international boards, their partners and sponsors on many joint initiatives.

Objectives

To support fundraising programmes in the UK by raising awareness of the work of Mercy Ships. To increase understanding of Mercy Ships and its activities within wider audiences.

Results

Most recently, Media House organised a Radio 4 Charity Appeal for the launch of the latest ship 'Africa Mercy', raising over £35,000 for Mercy Ships. This was confirmed as t he largest amount ever raised outside of a disaster relief appeal .

The launch event received extensive media coverage including BBC Newcastle, BBC News 24, Today - BBC Radio 4, Radio Five Live, CNN, Reuters Newswire, Al Jazeera, Financial Times, Metro, Aberdeen Press and Journal, Glasgow Herald, Channel 4 News website and Washington Times web.

The ship is currently in Liberia and media projects are being planned for the 30 th Anniversary of the charity in 2008. Tools used to promote Mercy Ships in the UK include: media events on board the ships, case studies of patients and volunteers, interviews with high profile supporters and innovative photocalls. Media House is also currently arranging for a UK documentary to be filmed next year in Liberia.

Testimony

“As a charity our biggest issue for PR was budget, but Media House has really made the most of our money.”

Judy Polkinhorn, Executive Director, Mercy Ships UK