"The key is to reach young people to raise the subject of domestic abuse and to let people know that they are not alone"
Scott Kennedy
#SittingRightWithYou was created by local creative agency K2L and saw a yellow sofa taken around the streets and landmarks of Manchester, to encourage people to talk about different forms of abuse.
The agency has now adapted the campaign to speak to 11-16 year olds in schools and youth organisations across Greater Manchester, as well as on social media, to raise awareness and provide support and information in an age-appropriate manner that will engage with them. The launch was held at Stretford High School last week, with the support of Greater Manchester Police and Deputy Mayor Beverley Hughes.
Scott Kennedy, MD of K2L comments: “This is obviously a hugely sensitive topic and as we are dealing with young people, it was imperative that we took a close look at all of the campaign messaging and channels used again.
“The key is to reach young people to raise the subject of domestic abuse and to let people know that they are not alone - that if needed, there is help and support. It is great to have the opportunity to work with Greater Manchester Combined Authority and the schools themselves to address these issues.”
K2L created the original campaign for the Greater Manchester Police Crime Commissioner, which included several awareness days in which the sofa itself posed challenging statements and raised questions to the general public. These events were supported by a social and consumer media campaign, which produced a thought-provoking video and linked back to a host site offering immediate, confidential support.
“It’s fantastic to be sending our yellow sofa out and about again, to reach younger people after the success and impact the original campaign had,” concludes Scott. “We’re also speaking to a number of other UK police forces, which is fantastic, as it is gently encouraging people to take the first step in recognising and talking about domestic abuse.”
Follow the conversation at #SittingRightWithYou or visit www.sittingrightwithyou to find out more.
