Creative integrated communications agency Ardmore has won a major global award for its work raising suicide awareness with Network Rail.

Named as one of the creative industry’s most prestigious events, the Creativepool annual awards event showcases the best projects, professionals, leaders and companies from right across the world.

Based in Belfast and one of the most successful creative communications agencies in the UK and Ireland, Ardmore came top for the sought-after People’s Choice award and scored bronze in TV advertising for its poignant and compelling “There’s Always Hope” advertising campaign for Network Rail.

“There’s Always Hope” campaign launched in March this year and was created by Ardmore for Network Rail along with mental health charity Chasing the Stigma.

Research, carried out by Yonder from 12-14 February 2021 which included 2,022 adults in Great Britain, showed there has been a huge rise in mental health issues because of the pandemic, with young people’s mental health deteriorating most.

Network Rail, which runs 20,000 miles of track in Britain commissioned the campaign to help with its continuing efforts to reduce suicides across the rail network.

“There’s Always Hope” was developed in collaboration with suicide prevention and mental health experts to help those at risk of suicide find support services as early as possible.

Ardmore managing director, Mark Irwin, said: “Suicide is tragic and devastating for those left behind. This campaign put a big light on the issue at a time when many more people felt their mental health impacted by crippling effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Network Rail is committed to the safety and support of all their passengers and their staff and is dedicated in their aim to help vulnerable people who are at risk by highlighting the extensive support services available to them and we’re really pleased that our work has made such a significant impact in helping it achieve its aims.”

“It is a real honour for Ardmore to have been awarded for our work and for the opportunity to collaborate so widely to ensure that this sensitive campaign delivered on every level.”