Fortitude Communications, based in Oxford, was nominated for the PR Team of the Year category at the National Charity Today Awards.
The nomination follows the agency’s partnership with Response, the largest independent mental health charity in the region, to boost brand awareness and public engagement.
Shaun Reynolds, account manager at Fortitude Communications, said: “Our awareness of mental health and how to proactively seek help when required has grown exponentially in the last decade.
“And yet the number of people experiencing mental health challenges continues to be at an unsustainable level.
“Response sits at the heart of helping those leaving statutory care to transition back into independent living and contributing positively to their communities through supported housing and a holistic approach to care.
“Helping the charity to communicate its previously untold story into the mainstream media has been a genuine highlight, and we are so pleased it is making a tangible impact to the work of those on the ground.
“We’re looking forward to attending the awards ceremony and congratulate all the finalists.”
Over the past year, Fortitude has secured more than 100 news articles and broadcast features for Response, covering key awareness events such as World Suicide Prevention Day, Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week, and National Hoarding Week.
The agency also produced Response’s first showcase video, which premiered in June, and used its network to arrange experience days for service users at local landmarks.
Jess Kerridge, senior digital marketing manager at Response, said: “Having a dedicated PR partner has been vital to supporting our marketing and fundraising goals.
“The team is always on hand, proactive and supportive.
“But what sets them apart is how they have handled the most sensitive part of our work – sharing the stories of people we support.
“This requires real tact and care, and Fortitude has handled this brilliantly.
“We wish the team every success at the awards ceremony.”
Founded in 1966, Response works with more than 750 adults and young people experiencing critical mental illness at any given time.
The charity operates more than 200 shared, self-contained and single person houses and flats and helps people work towards living independently and contributing positively to their community via a holistic, trauma-informed, recovery-focused approach.
Response launched a series of free online resources for parents of neurodivergent children who might require additional support during the school holidays.
Lee B. Rayment, founder of the National Charity Today Awards, said: “We are delighted to recognise Fortitude Communications as a finalist in the National Charity Today Awards.
“Its work reflects the commitment, care and positive impact that the Awards were created to celebrate, and we look forward to welcoming its team to the Gala Lunch.”
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