Barnet LBC

This award is open to a single council or where appropriate a partnership of councils, or a council-owned company. Private sector partners can enter on a council’s behalf, with the permission of the council itself. The communications function is more integral to what councils do than ever. There is increasing need to influence behaviour in relation to, for example, recycling, transport, looking out for older neighbours, or reinforcing public health messaging. And there is the importance of building trust in the difficult decisions councils have to take in these challenging times. Campaigns can make a significant contribution to achieving these objectives, and this award is designed to showcase councils’ expertise in this area.

In the four years to 2019, one person lost their life to suicide every 16 days in Barnet. Launched in autumn 2021, this multi-faceted campaign targeted the prevention of suicide and mental ill-health amongst working-aged men, the single largest group who lose their lives to suicide in Barnet. Throughout the campaign period, no one lost their life to suicide, bucking the rising London and national trend. The campaign’s legacy continues, with our recent partnership with local Saracens Rugby Club and Andy’s Man Club to promote the importance of men talking about their mental health.