What did you do at the weekend? I wrote a comms strategy for COVID-19.

by Darren Caveney

Now normally I wouldn’t endorse working at weekends but we’re in – to quote that most used of phrases now – unprecedented times.

So, this weekend I wrote a COVID-19 comms strategy for an organisation.

And do you know what – it felt good to be able to help someone else.

Now it might only be a small thing but if it eases the pressure on an incredibly busy team by just 5% then I’m happy.

It was a simple strategy. Stripped back and lean. A bit output focused, so unlike a strategy I would normally write. My pal Fran Collingham helped too and, as always, was full of good ideas.

It will change and flex as the next few days and weeks pass. And that’s good because, again, we’re in unprecedented times.

As a part of my weekend research I found some good practice examples of communications activity and content being delivered across local government – so I thought I’d share it here too in case it’s helpful.

There’s some great work being delivered by so many right now.

Kudos to the nine organisations I’ve flagged here.

Keep going and thank you for what you are all doing.

10 good practice examples of COVID-19 communications activity in Local Government

Thank you Local Government Twitter Thread – The LGA

Guide to council services and support during COVID-19 – Birmingham City Council

Support and help in your community – BCP Council

Here for Swindon – support for residents and businesses – Swindon Council

Still delivering services for you – Doncaster Council

Support for local businesses – BCP Council

Still open for business – a guide to online offers and opportunities – Visit Southampton

Applying for COVID-19 Business Grant Support – South Ribble Council