Cost of Living Support – Public Health Communications Campaign

Delivered for: Somerset County Council Public Health

Role: Communications Management | Campaign Strategy | Stakeholder Engagement | Community Outreach

As part of Somerset County Council’s Public Health team, responsibility was given for planning and implementing a comprehensive communications campaign responding to the Cost of Living crisis. The aim was to ensure residents across Somerset could clearly understand the support available and access it in ways that felt straightforward, trustworthy and practical.

What was delivered

Clear, accessible messaging and campaign materials

A suite of campaign assets was developed, alongside concise and easy-to-understand website content designed to guide people towards the right support. Language and presentation were crafted to make complex information feel manageable and reassuring.

Stakeholder collaboration

Close liaison with internal teams and key external partners ensured the campaign reflected accurate, up-to-date information on financial, welfare and community support. This collaborative approach helped maintain consistency and trust across all communications channels.

Community outreach to reach offline audiences

Recognising that many of the residents most in need would have limited digital access, a programme of community engagement events was planned and supported. These in-person touchpoints were essential in ensuring that vital information reached those who could otherwise be missed.

Targeted strategy development

Analysis at an early stage highlighted that different groups required different messages. A targeted communications strategy was therefore developed to ensure the right information reached the right cohorts at the right time.

Impact

The campaign played an important role in increasing awareness of available support during a period of significant financial pressure for Somerset residents. By focusing on clarity, targeted messaging and meaningful community engagement, the work helped ensure essential information reached those who needed it most. It remains a project that exemplifies the value of strategic, people-centred public health communications.