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NAS appoints WPN and MC&C to new awareness and recruitment brief

The National Autistic Society (NAS), the UK's leading charity for people with autism and their families, has appointed Watson Phillips Norman and Mike Colling & Co to handle a new fundraising brief aimed at recruiting a significant number of new donors to the NAS over the next two years. The campaign forms part of a range of fundraising activity funded by Vodafone UK as part of a three year cause partnership announced in May 2004.

The NAS has, for over 40 years, operated at a local and national level to provide expert help, advice and support, leading the way with a range of services from helplines to training, from schools to adult services. The charity champions the rights and interests of all people affected by autism, regularly lobbying government on relevant legislative and policy issues affecting people with autism and their families.

Autism is misunderstood condition. Whilst over 80% of the public is aware of it, around helf of those who have admit to knowing very little about it, a challenge compounded by a similarly low brand awareness of the NAS. The relationship with a massive brand partner has clear benefits. Vodafone UK embarked on a cause related marketing partnership with the NAS in 2004 and the partnership is a natural fit given that both organisations are concerned with the same fundamental human need for communication. A co-branded campaign kicked off a programme supporting broad-scale awareness-raising, fundraising, employee communications and a volunteering programme.

WPN were appointed after a pitch process culminating in a 4-way pitch.
“We are delighted to have the opportunity to work with NAS and with brand partners like Vodafone” said Gail Cookson, Client Service Director of Watson Phillips Norman. “Raising the organisations profile and making the public more aware of autism is tough challenge, and we believe we can utilise our combination of brand planning and DM skills to achieve the demanding targets set.”

Rebecca Lloyd, Head of Direct Marketing at the NAS, said: “We're looking forward to working with Watson Phillips Norman and Mike Colling and Co on this project. We have some demanding fundraising targets to meet over the next 12 months and required an agency with experience of innovative techniques combined with traditional fundraising skills. WPN and MC&C have demonstrated this combination in their pitch and subsequent campaign ideas. We have an exciting few months ahead of us and the opportunity to put the NAS on the UK charity map.”

The marketing programme is likely to involve a wide range of media and activity will commence in the next few weeks.

Editors Note:

Watson Phillips Norman is the breakaway agency from WWAV Rapp Collins headed by WWAV founder and Chief Executive John Watson, former WWAV Creative Director Maria Phillips and former WWAV Brand Planner Tod Norman. After just two years WPN has won 9 direct marketing awards including two Golds for ActionAId. Its other clients include RNID, Which?, PDSA, NCH, and Picture Financial Group.

The National Autistic Society is the UK's leading charity for people with autistic spectrum disorders and their families. Founded in 1962, it continues to spearhead national and international initiatives and provide a strong voice for all people with autism. The NAS provides a wide range of services to help people with autism and Asperger syndrome live their lives with as much independence as possible.

The NAS relies on the support of its members and donors to continue its vital work for people with autism. To become a member, make a donation or to find out more about the work of the NAS, visit the NAS website www.autism.org.uk or call the NAS donation line 08702 33 40 40, (national rates apply).

In March 2004 Vodafone UK entered into a three-year “cause partnership” with The National Autistic Society. The mobile phone company hopes to raise up to £6 million for the charity during this period. Vodafone's support will enable the NAS to expand the reach of existing programmes, which raise awareness of autism and support people with autism and their carers.

For more information about autism and for help in your area, call the NAS Autism Helpline on: 0845 070 4004 10am-4pm, Monday to Friday, (local rates apply).

The NAS recently launched PARIS (Public Autism Resource and Information Service), the largest online autism-specific service directory in the world. Visit www.info.autism.org.uk to find autism services and support networks in your area.

The NAS is hosting the first ever national 'Day for Autism' on Sunday 25th September 2005 in Leicester Square, central London. The event is open to the general public and aims to celebrate autism and provide an opportunity

For more information on this story contact

Gail Cookson, Client Service Director, Watson Phillips Norman, 020 7307 6160

John Eversley, Marketing Director, Watson Phillips Norman, 020 7307 6162

Jennie Spears, Head of PR & Media, National Autistic Society, 020 7903 3548