Lucy Oates Media and Communications

The task:Devise and deliver a media and

communications campaign to enhance community cohesion in Goole.

Timescale:Need to make an impact straight away.

Issues to address:

- The economic downturn had triggered a backlash against migrant communities.

- Anti-migrant march and public order incidents brought underlying tensions into the public domain. - Issue of immigration was being debated through the letters pages of Goole newspapers.

- Inaccurate and misleading information about the rights of migrant workers in letters and news stories.

- Feedback from community consultation events suggests that underlying tensions are more widespread.

Lucy Oates Media and Communications

Key areas for action:

Challenge the myths and false perceptions;

Present positive examples of community cohesion;

Present positive examples of migrant workers contributing towards community life and the local economy;

Ensure that partner organisations are briefed and that community leaders are able to act as figureheads for the campaign.

Lucy Oates Media and Communications

What did we actually do…and did it work?

- We talked to people;- We looked for human interest stories;- Wherever possible, we used research and statisticsto add weight;- We tried to challenge people’s perceptions (of migrant workers and of Goole as a place to live);- We took care not to reinforce negative stereotypes or perceptions.

Lucy Oates Media and Communications

Lessons learned/top tips:

- Make sure that all partners really are on board (action speaks louder then words);

- Remember that you can’t change attitudes overnight;

- Get out there and talk to people, within the community and those from partner organisations;

- Monitor the media closely to see what works; it could help you to identify other opportunities too;

- Use every communications tool at your disposal.

Lucy Oates Media and Communications