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National network with regional and local structures - We are one voice and we are many voices. Consistent messaging with national spokesperson. Flexible and adaptable. Link to Simon Week existing week-long awareness campaign in its sixth year. Planned engagement and sequence of activities.
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Hugely positive feedback from the general public. Successful use of social media, this can be enhanced. Easy for people to engage, tangible ask, people respond to human stories. Breaking down barriers and stigma - this could be you, your family member, your friend. Strength of the brand and reputation.
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Limited budget. Not sufficient planning time, rushed at the end. Challenge for the communities to push a campaign with the ongoing pressures of delivering direct services. Not all communities experienced in use of social media. Limited human resources to maximise opportunities as campaign evolved.
Pre-budget period busy and increasingly competitive space. Challenge to get minority issues on political agenda. Challenge to get minority issues on media agenda in a meaningful way – push back against focus on just one woman’s story - yet can be a gateway to access. People stories not always easy to access. Resources, difficult to commit resources when budgets are being cut and services at capacity.
Workshop D: Home for Good - Simon Communities of Ireland