Victorians encouraged to HeadtoHelp in new mental health campaign via Icon Agency

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Victorians are being encouraged to reach out for mental health support in a new campaign launching this week via Icon Agency.

 

The HeadtoHelp service, set up by Victoria’s six Primary Health Networks (PHNs), is designed to help Victorians find the best mental health support for them.

As well as a central intake 1800 595 212 number, 15 new hubs have been set up across the state to provide a free and confidential service for those who may be experiencing mental ill health, whether pre-existing or as a response to the impacts of COVID-19. Callers will be able to speak to a friendly mental health professional who can help them access support from an existing mental health service or through a HeadtoHelp hub.

Funded by the Australian Government, Victoria’s PHNs engaged Icon Agency to develop a creative communications plan to raise awareness of the new service. To reach those in need of support, Icon were tasked with encouraging Victorians to HeadtoHelp by calling the service number.

Says Ed Bechervaise, creative director at Icon Agency: “Mental ill health can affect anyone at any time but the impacts of COVID-19 have meant increased anxiety and uncertainty. To reach this new vulnerable audience, who are experiencing financial stress, anxiety and loneliness, we wanted to encourage them to prioritise their mental health and reach out for support sooner rather than later.”

Drawing on digital research insights, Icon developed a campaign strategy designed to build mass awareness of the service, encompassing content production, outdoor, radio, digital marketing and social media engagement. Core to this was the creative development of the HeadtoHelp character, the bear.

As a universal symbol of comfort, the bear has been utilised in the design of a new website, social assets and videos. Under the HeadtoHelp campaign umbrella, the character has been created to resonate with a mass audience, encouraging anyone experiencing mental ill health to reach out for support.

Adds Bechervaise: “We wanted to create something that was approachable, empathetic and sensitive. So, the result was an anthropomorphic metaphor for how many people might have felt this year.”

The campaign went live on Monday 9th November. To find out more please visit: https://headtohelp.org.au

Creative: Icon Agency
Group Account Director: Hazel Tiernan
Junior Account Director: Joanna Raine
Senior Account Manager: Jasmine Gaynor
Creative Director: Ed Bechervaise
Creative Director Team: Brendon Guthrie, Tim Haynes
Designer: Mark Oriondo
Production: Yukfoo Animation
Sound: Sonic Playground
Media: Hugconnect

Digital
Digital Marketing Specialist: Tammy Trinh
Senior Digital Producer: Kim Elliott
UX Designer: Luke Matthews
Senior Developer: Jamie Brennan

Social Media
Senior Account Director: Fiona Miller
Senior Account Manager: Sian Evans

Victorians encouraged to HeadtoHelp in new mental health campaign via Icon Agency Victorians encouraged to HeadtoHelp in new mental health campaign via Icon Agency Victorians encouraged to HeadtoHelp in new mental health campaign via Icon Agency Victorians encouraged to HeadtoHelp in new mental health campaign via Icon Agency