It was World Mental Health Day yesterday and plenty of brands launched campaigns designed to show the world that they care about mental health. Such campaigns can feel forced, though some, like Maybelline's effort felt quite refreshing and parkrun is another company that got it right.
The campaign, which, like many of the best adverts, has a simple idea at its heart, was created by Meanwhile. It consists of what look like prescriptions, with 'parkrun', 'weekly', written on them in scrawly handwriting. The prescriptions highlight the very real practice of 'social prescribing', where doctors prescribe activities to their patients –parkrun is part of a Royal College of General Practitioners to recommend its friendly 5km runs to patients. GPs who have prescribed Parkrun have said it helped patients with anxiety, depression and other serious conditions.
“Many people may not realise how truly transformative taking part in your local parkrun can be in their lives,” said James Cross, CCO and founder of Meanwhile.
“From helping with mental health, reducing social isolation, and improving physical health too, the societal benefits are huge. So it’s with great pride and importance that we’re able to help the charity get this brilliant story out into the world.”
Hats off to Meanwhile for taking a simple idea and executing it brilliantly. For more fantastic branding, see the results of this year's Brand Impact Awards or check out more of the world's best billboards or print ads.
