Getting the word out - promoting your activities

Remember to always communicate the 'four Ws':
WHAT you are doing
WHEN it is happening
WHERE it is happening
WHY it will be fun and why people should support you

Posters and fliers

Put up your posters. We can send you blank posters on request. Write the details of your event on each of them and put them up wherever you can. Or use VSO posters at an event to remind people why they are there.

Press releases

Tell the press. Local newspapers like to feature colourful stories so let them know about your event about a week before. Use our sample press release and post or fax it to your local paper. Also include your justgiving link so people can go online and sponsor you. If you need help, please feel free to contact Abi in our press team on 020 8780 7410.

Photo opportunities: local editors like to know of interesting photo opportunities. If your event would make for a fun or interesting photograph, emphasise this. It can also be a good idea to include an interesting photo of your own.

Local radio: send the same information to your local radio station and try to get some valuable airtime coverage.

Sometimes staff at local papers can be too busy to send someone out to cover an event. If no one turns up, don't be afraid to send them a brief rundown of what happened at your event once it has taken place. Once again, include the four Ws, and send any photos you’ve taken. Do this as soon as possible before the story is out of date.

Tell us what you are doing

VSO might choose your story to use in our own publicity to encourage others to put on their own events. When you've planned your event, do tell us.

Other publicity materials and resources

If you need posters or a collection box, complete the materials order form link to: and either email it to events@vso.org.uk or return it to VSO, Events & Community Relations, 317 Putney Bridge Road, London SW15 2PN.