Last week’s Euro 2020 qualifier game between England v Montenegro had racial discrimination front and centre. Personally, the most depressing part, was that the abuse from the Montenegrins towards several England players didn’t surprise or shock me. In fact, this abusive behaviour gave me multiple flashbacks of matches with poor treatment of players, at both international and national grounds. So if it’s happening so often, why haven’t we seen a behaviour change – not just from fans, but from clubs and football associations too?

Read more “For the world’s most international sport, we need to do more to support diversity”

In the wake of the worst mass murder in New Zealand’s history, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern received a call from US President Donald Trump. After sharing his condolences, President Trump asked if there was any help the United States could provide. Prime Minister Ardern had a simple request for the commander in chief – ‘sympathy and love, for all Muslim communities’.

It’s been nearly two weeks since 50 New Zealanders were murdered in Mosques in central Christchurch, and the style and substance of Prime Minister Ardern’s response to the violence continues to make headlines around the world.

Read more “Strength in weakness – Leadership lessons from Jacinda Ardern”

Over the last six months, campaigns by big brands have become much more political. This is unsurprising, as everything is getting more political with Brexit and Trump dominating the news space. But it’s also down to the rise of social media.

Read more “Should we celebrate, or be cynical, about brands getting political?”

Stand Agency has been hired by the heart muscle charity, Cardiomyopathy UK, to work on a series of campaigns during 2019 as the organisation celebrates its 30^th year.

Stand Agency will be working with the charity to drive awareness and correct perceptions of the serious but little-known heart condition, cardiomyopathy, and to increase support for the charity’s vital work to support those living with the condition.

Read more “Stand Agency appointed by Cardiomyopathy UK”

Our campaign for SFE (Solicitors for the Elderly) has been Highly Commended at this year’s Modern Law Awards.

With dementia set to overtake heart disease as the leading cause of death in England and Wales, the need to plan ahead for later life is greater than ever.

Read more “Highly Commended at the Modern Law Awards”

After two successful and award-winning campaigns focused on increasing seating on the high street, the third instalment of Anchor Hanover‘s Standing Up 4 Sitting Down addressed the issue of seating in public spaces more broadly.

Read more “SU4SD takes on poor public transport etiquette”

I was lucky enough to head to the AllBright Club for a talk hosted by the Women’s Prize for Fiction’s founder, Kate Mosse. Kate was joined by Cathy Newman, Channel 4 broadcaster to celebrate the launch of her first book Bloody Brilliant Women.

Read more “Bloody Brilliant Women: Celebrating the ‘forgotten’ women of history”

Up and down the country young people are currently undertaking their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. They might not be embracing the frost and heading out for expedition practice quite yet, but thousands are volunteering their time to support their local community, or focusing on learning a new skill. I clearly remember doing my own DofE – helping out in a care home, learning to ride a horse, and I don’t think I’ll ever forget the pure endurance of a leaking tent followed by a long hike.

Read more “#DofEDifference (thank you Mr Barker)”

I’m sure we’ve all been here. It’s the end of a long week and Friday night consists of a film and an app-and-tap takeaway. Food, done. But picking the right film can be tricky. Not only because my partner wants to see Thor: Ragnarok, and I’m in the mood for gritty British drama, but due to the amount of choice we’re presented with at the touch of a button.

Read more “Working with the BBFC to shape age classifications in a digital era”

We’re thrilled to announce that Armed Forces charity, SSAFA, the UK’s oldest tri-service military charity, has appointed Stand Agency to deliver integrated campaign activity over the next 12 months, including their iconic Armed Forces Week.

SSAFA provides lifelong support for all members of the serving community, veterans and their families when in need. Stand Agency will be working with SSAFA to drive awareness and support for the charity.

Read more “Armed Forces charity SSAFA appoints Stand Agency”