Ocean and Clear Channel donate DOOH space for suicide awareness campaign
Ocean Outdoor and Clear Channel have donated outdoor media space to support a new ad campaign that aims to destigmatise men’s mental health struggles and promote male suicide awareness.
The “If You Think Something’s Up, Bring it Up” campaign, for not-for-profit group Men’s Minds Matter, was planned by Media Bounty, the independent ethical creative and media agency.
The provocative social media and digital out-of-home (DOOH) campaign displays the last messages sent by men to loved ones before taking their own lives.
The ads are displayed on digital billboards across the UK, with space donated by Ocean Outdoor and Clear Channel, in partnership with BambOOH.
Phil Hall, Ocean Outdoor’s UK joint managing director told The Media Leader: “One of the biggest challenges around mental health is encouraging conversations and out of home is the ideal medium to use in order to reach all sections of a community at the same time.
“The creative is simple, incredibly powerful and will undoubtedly be effective. We are proud to use our screens to raise awareness of and destigmatise this important subject.”
The campaign hopes to inspire people to reach out to others if they suspect someone is struggling.
One message is: “Every two hours, a British man takes his own life. If you think something’s up, bring it up.”
The Office for National Statistics research has found that suicide is the biggest killer for men under 45, with men making up 76% of all suicides in the UK over the past decade.
The collaboration is part of Media Bounty’s pro bono initiative, with the agency donating time and expertise to not-for-profit organisations picked by team members.
“We all have a message from a friend that could be the last,” Tommy Lee, senior copywriter at Media Bounty, said.
“It’s so important to talk, no matter how excruciating that idea might be. Thanks to the families who took part in the campaign. It’s been an honour to tell their stories.”