Engage2Change, M&M’s newly launched sister company, provides a comprehensive, integrated social marketing service comprising marketing planning, research techniques and campaign development and implementation.

It draws on the combined skills of healthcare specialists M&M Communications and market research consultancy Curiosity Research to deliver a tailored and cost effective approach to campaigns that promote better health, wellbeing and lifestyles.

This combination of skills is much more than the sum of its parts - with interpretation, planning interventions and evaluation all playing a vital role in our work on everything from smoking cessation and breastfeeding campaigns to child mental health, sexual health and vascular check ups.

Market research is used to help identify and clearly describe communications objectives and target audiences. Basing our work on solid data such as this means that we are better able to devise and implement effective communications strategies.

Clients may choose to commission research directly or ask us to source an appropriate supplier as part of a comprehensive social marketing campaign. In either case, they can be sure that creative work and media selection will be guided by evidence of what makes the consumer tick.

High quality and cost effective communications are heavily dependent on a thorough understanding of the audience, its information needs, the relative influence it may have on an organisation’s plans and proposals and any barriers to communication.

We consider stakeholder mapping to be an essential tool when planning communications campaigns, particularly in the areas of statutory and non statutory public consultation and engagement exercises.

Stakeholder mapping also enables us to base our selection of communications tools and channels on evidence of what works for those at whom the messages are targeted. Messages aimed at the public in general may be best conveyed using broadcast techniques such as news releases and paid for advertising in the relevant media, backed up by reference on an organisation’s website. More specific messages tailored to particular groups or sections of society may be best communicated using narrowcasting techniques such as stakeholder meetings and facilitated workshops.

Meaningful stakeholder engagement greatly enhances the value of two way communications and fosters a deeper understanding between clients and their key influencers.

The choice of media and communications tools is central to our approach and our engagement exercises often use a combination of techniques including face to face meetings, focus groups, workshops, mass media and ‘new media’ such as interactive websites, on-line voting and video or e-bulletins. This targeted approach also helps our clients to engage with harder to reach and minority groups within our society.

“M&M’s work on public engagement for our major change programme involving mental health services has far exceeded the expectations of the Trust. I highly recommend this inspiring company.”

“M&M Communications has consistently provided the Trust with a high quality, professional service. Their staff are highly experienced at running public meetings and exhibitions and have a range of innovative PR ideas about how this can be done in the best way to meet the public’s needs in the local area.”