Finalist
Under the Tree: Showing True Heart for Comms Minds
by Fox&Cat
Summary of work
In establishing Fox&Cat, Paul Hutchings’ intention wasn’t profit, it was purpose. He wanted to create an agency that delivered excellent communications work without fuelling the chronic state of mental wellbeing for communications professionals. He committed to investing 25% of company profit to support this cause.
Fox&Cat wanted to change the UK comms industry so that its 79,100* employees were better equipped to deal with the increasing levels of pressure and stress they face day in, day out.
Paul’s personal experience of burnout fuelled his determination to change the industry for the better. When an industry Mental Health Audit showed that 9 in 10 communications professionals experience poor mental health, with 7 in 10 experiencing chronic stress – it was time to act.
Fox&Cat launched Under the Tree - free, industry-wide mental wellbeing training which had 4,651 lifetime views with 11,205 engaging with the hub. 90% of attendees surveyed said after the training they felt better equipped to deal with pressure and stress.
For Paul, Under the Tree was just the start. “Our research uncovered insight into the different causes of stress and sparked further pro bono work in the areas of menopause, neurodiversity, community care and interaction.”
*Statisa.com
Judges’ comments
Under the Tree was a well-informed and solidly executed programme. Truly commendable and still doing a lot of good. It had strong metrics, was clever, accessible and free. “Let’s have more of this!”
