Before it became part of the national charity Shelter, the Young People’s Support Foundation was a charity based in Manchester which helped young people aged 16-24 at risk of or experiencing homelessness.

Like most charities, budgets were very tight. Before I began work with YPSF, each support worker had created their own material to share with potential service users to inform them of the services available, printed on A4 paper on office printers. 

I worked with YPSF for four years to develop a strong brand and library of material to promote the charity’s essential services for young people at risk of homelessness.

I collaborated with the CEO, service managers, support workers and service users to create a communications strategy that would support and promote the charity’s objectives. Key messages were developed that reflected real life, promoted the valuable services and raised awareness with funding bodies and the general public.

The brand imagery focused on YPSF colleagues and service users. Working with a photographer, designer and web developer, we created a full spectrum of communications material, including powerful images and branded decor throughout the organisation’s buildings. 

Communications material also included annual reports, the real-life stories of service users, a new website, and press material to promote fundraising events.