Let's talk cost of living... (plus police guerrilla tactics, supporting Muslim staff this Ramadan and an inclusive kids book!)
Why the cost of living crisis is an inclusion crisis...
Last week, we meet West Yorkshire Paralympic Gold Medalist Hannah Cockcroft to talk content for RISE2022. While we focused on representation (and she regrets starring in Channel4's award-winning 'Superhumans' ad), our conversations moved to the inequity of the cost of living crisis for disabled people, who are facing rising costs of up to £1,000 a month. Many are being forced into making impossible financial choices just to survive, with increasing fuel and food costs coupled with cuts to government support. One of the key challenges is rising energy costs to power what they need: stairlifts, feeding pumps, hoists, charging electric equipment (like wheelchairs), ventilators, sensory mats, extra deliveries, and more.
Helen Walker, chief executive of Carers UK (as reported in The Guardian) said they were seeing 'unprecedented' financial worries from unpaid carers and those they care for. 'In our latest survey of 3,300 carers, 42% thought that in the coming months they would not be able to heat their home to a safe level and 32% are worried they will have to use a food bank.'
So, what can this community do? Come to RISE 2022 and hear Hannah's call to action.
Celebrating inclusive creative campaigns from guerrilla tactics to AR
At RISE2022, we'll be exploring what shapes creative excellence in 2022. We explore award-winning, effective campaigns tackling inclusion issues, like this low-cost, high reach campaign from the Women's Equality Party, along with the best in AR with Snapchat and sustainable design with Ester Duran, Chief Design Officer, Zone.
WEP leader Mandu Reid will discuss this campaign, which follows a report released last week from the the IOPC (Independent Office for Police Conduct), which uncovered “a culture of misogyny, harassment, racism and homophobia” within the force.
In the report, the IOPC revealed real-life WhatsApp and Facebook messenger conversations between officers based at a London police station, which appeared on 'accident' boards.
The boards contain the quotes, which read: 'You ever slapped your missus?” The call to action? The phone number of home secretary Priti Patel’s office with the message: 'The police cannot stop violence and discrimination if they do not recognise it in their own ranks.' Hear about this low-cost, effective campaign against the danger of 'banter' from Reid at RISE2022.
Former 'Future Leader' shares what creative leadership means today
Shirin Majid, Executive Creative Director, Vice Virtue on what it takes to be a future leader today
'It's about making progressive work – but it's about being an active 'creative citizen' and taking action to improve the health of the industry and standing up for what you believe (or don't) believe in. We're experiencing a new wave of creativity right now due to many cultural shifts and a new cohort of non-traditional creators – and yet clients are more risk-averse due to the wavering economy and continued uncertainty in the market. Build strong collaborative relationships with brave clients who are motivated to make a positive impact on culture.' Read more in Campaign here.
Shirin was on our 2019 Future Leaders List. Are you a Future Leader? You have till 11 April to APPLY - free to enter for all female, non-binary and NGC creatives.
Ramadan Mubarak to all celebrating! How can you support your Muslim staff?
Yes, the football Premier League makes adjustments for Muslim players during Ramadan. Fasting for Ramadan 2022 is now under way, which means there are several evening matches in which players may need to break fast during their games once the sun has set. The league has also undertaken workshops and training to better understand the cultural aspects of Ramadan and how to support their members.
Inclusion is important in all arenas: how can you support your staff during Ramadan? You might consider later starts, flexibility in meeting times/break times and set up a faith ERG group. Read more tips here.
Charlie the Crow: an inclusive children's book!
One of our own Elly Gedye has published a children's book, 'Charlie the Crow', perfect for children aged two and up. Not that we're biased, but it's a must-read. It's about accepting difference, with an inclusive sensory section for those kids who don't experience books in the traditional manner (yes for accessibility!). It includes added audio, video, Makaton signs and AAC symbols: a perfect addition for the Easter break.
"Charlie is a crow who is SUPER good at honking. But the other crows laugh at him, and Charlie goes on an adventure to find others like him. He meets many other birds, who all sound and look different, what does that mean for Charlie?"
'Charlie the Crow' is available on Amazon and all proceeds go to children's charity Joseph's Goal, to support research into paediatric metabolic disorders.