Trinity PR re-appointed to Dyspraxia Foundation's Awareness Week Contract
Charity specialist Trinity PR (TPR) has been re-appointed to manage the Dyspraxia Foundation�s week-long awareness campaign in September (27th September � 4th October, 2008), following the agency�s success last year in making the condition part of the new
Trinity will look to build on the momentum gained in 2007 to increase knowledge and understanding of dyspraxia among teaching and educational professionals.
The highly targeted, predominantly trade-led campaign - �Dyspraxia: Making Sense of it All � The Professional Approach� � will include the launch of new research to highlight current levels of awareness about the condition (including its symptoms and treatment) among teaching and educational professionals. This will be reinforced by case study placements and supportive celebrity-led interviews.
The charity has also announced a new working relationship with Lloyds Pharmacy. Lloyds Pharmacy will play an active role in helping to raise awareness among parents and carers (as well as professionals) at a local level. They will also help to improve understanding of the condition among customers through its website and the Lloyds Pharmacy Live radio station.
Theresa Hart, trustee of the charity, says: �Moving our campaign onto the next level is key for 2008 and in light of last year�s success � reaching an estimated audience of 9 million � we feel confident that Trinity is the agency to take us there. With a proven ability to engage with the media and get results, we have high expectations for this year.
�With a condition such as dyspraxia, early diagnosis is crucial, which is why this year we were keen to focus our awareness-raising programme specifically at teaching and educational professionals. Only with their support can the necessary steps be taken to ensure children are properly diagnosed and given the appropriate support needed. �
Developmental dyspraxia results in impairment of movement and can lead to problems with coordination and coping with simple day-to-day tasks which many of us take for granted, such as walking up stairs. The condition is thought to affect up to 6% of the population, and at least one child in every class of 30. However, it still regarded by many as simply an excuse for naughty or disruptive children.
Tracey Thompson, senior account manager at Trinity PR, adds: �The difficulty for every annual event or campaign is to maintain interest and prove its news value to the media. Dyspraxia is still a largely misunderstood condition so this is both a challenge and an opportunity, because a successful campaign can make a tremendous difference to the Foundation.�
The charity has also received a significant amount of funding from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation and The Headley Trust. With the support of these two organisations, the Dyspraxia Foundation will be able to fund two National Development Officer posts, to work with voluntary and statutory organisations to assess their needs and provide relevant support, in addition to helping to establish new support groups across the UK.
ENDS
For more information, please contact Tracey Thompson or Jo Hudson on 020 8786 3860 or email [email protected]
Dyspraxia Foundation: Registered charity No 1058352
A company limited by guarantee. Registered in England No 3256733