Salford students wow Bernie Hollywood OBE
Five second year Journalism with PR students have been given the opportunity to work with Liverpool-born serial fundraiser and adventurer Bernie Hollywood OBE who will be undertaking a solo row across the Atlantic Ocean to support young people’s mental health.
The University of Salford students were tasked with developing and presenting a strategic social media campaign for Bernie Hollywood's Boat Pull and National Schools Tour as part of the wider ‘Boat of Hope’ Campaign.
Bernie was so impressed he has now taken 5 Salford students on to support him in turning their ideas into reality.
Using Instagram and TikTok as the main platforms to release interactive content, the students aim is to increase the campaigns presence online whilst also raising money for the chosen charities, Samaritans, and Love Rowing.
Second year student's Callie-Marie and Annie Dixon said: "We're thrilled to be getting involved in this campaign for Bernie Hollywood. The 'Boat of Hope' is a fantastic concept for raising awareness and starting those conversations about mental health in children.
"It's really exciting to see where we can take the campaign and to be able to get our foot in the door so soon is great. We're bursting with ideas."
Bernie Hollywood OBE, founder of the Boat of Hope campaign, said:
“I am so grateful to have the talented students at the University of Salford supporting me on the Boat of Hope campaign. Their contributions to the social media campaign for the Boat Pull and National Schools Tour will be extremely valuable in helping to raise vital funds and awareness of the mental health issues many children and young people sadly face.
“The Atlantic row I am taking on in December will be the most physically and mentally gruelling challenge I have ever faced – but if I am able to help just one young person through the Boat of Hope campaign, it will all be worth it.”
On the success of the students, Michelle Eagleton, Lecturer in Journalism and PR said:
“The PR Campaigns and Strategy module is designed to give students the experience of what it is like to work on a real-life PR campaign. They had the Boat of Hope as their scenario for their assignment and their work impressed Bernie so much he wanted them to come on board as part of his team.
“It’s an excellent opportunity for them to get industry experience and will be invaluable in their PR careers going forward. Junaid, Annie, Callie-Marie, Penny and Lucy should be incredibly proud of themselves.”
You can find out more about the campaign below:
Website: www.boatofhope.com
Twitter: @BoatofHope
Instagram: @theboatofhope
Facebook: @BoatofHope
For all press office enquiries please email communications@salford.ac.uk.