QPR FC have netted big results for their local NHS, with a special social media health advertising campaign delivered by the club being assessed as achieving 100,000 video views.
Earlier this year, QPR FC united its players, legends and supporters to take part in ‘R NHS’, an innovative campaign that used the power of football to educate the public on how to choose the correct health services.
R NHS saw players from QPR’s senior, academy, women’s and community teams all join forces to take part in a series of creative videos, which were shared on the club’s social media feeds. From its launch at a packed stadium at QPR’s EFL Championship clash against Birmingham City, the 12-video campaign went on to generate more than 100,000 collective online views in two months.
The programme took a unique approach to engaging and informing the public. From first-team stars Joe Lumley and Ebere Eze taking aim at NHS-themed targets on the training field, through to club legend and former England star Andy Sinton testing his acting skills, this was a campaign with a difference.
Whilst the programme was full of creativity, it also had an important message to share. In London alone, more than half-a-million people visited A&E last year who could have been treated elsewhere. R NHS highlighted how, by choosing the right healthcare options – such as walk-in services, people can save themselves time and inconvenience too. It also showcased the important service that pharmacies offer in providing advice and treatment for everyday conditions, such as colds, sore throats and skin conditions.
A Winning Partnership
The campaign was coordinated by QPR in the Community Trust, in partnership with NHS Hammersmith and Fulham CCG, West London Health Partnership (who also generously funded the programme), Healthwatch CWL and the Community Champions.
It was developed by the agency CommaGB and inspired by the 2018 HSJ Awards and Academy of FAB NHS Stuff Awards winning ‘Beat The Scrum’ campaign, led by rugby league team Widnes Vikings.
A Proud Team
Andy Evans, CEO of QPR in the Community Trust, says: “With more than 100,000 video views for such an important campaign, we have demonstrated the power of this club to engage the local community and make a difference.
"Through bringing together our players, staff, fans and partners, we have been able to reach many people and share some vitally important messages. I am grateful to everyone who has backed the R NHS campaign and look forward to continuing to develop our relationship with the partners that helped to make this success possible.”
Dr Paul Skinner, from NHS Hammersmith and Fulham CCG, adds: “It has been incredible to team up with QPR on this campaign. For a local project to achieve 100,000 video views is very special, and this shows the unique reach of the Club.
"By raising awareness of the excellent services provided by local pharmacies, walk-in centres, general practices and urgent care centres, as well as the 111 helplines, we were able to help people to understand that visiting A&E isn’t always the answer. We are proud that the campaign reached, inspired and informed so many people. We’d like to thank QPR in the Community Trust and West London Health Partnership for their incredible support in making this happen.”
Mike Hagan, General Manager – London for West London Health Partnership, says: ‘West London Health Partnership are extremely proud to have been part of this campaign. We are incredibly pleased with the demonstrable reach and impact that the collaboration between the partners has achieved.
This is a testament to the hard work of all involved and outlines the benefit of close coordination between private and public sector partners. We look forward to working on future community focussed projects with QPR and NHS Hammersmith & Fulham CCG.”