Methods of communications

Publicity for campaigns, events, resources etc.

They need an ‘angle’ for their story; this might not exactly fit what you want to say, but it relates to what their readers and editors expect. Before you contact them, be aware of the way they have dealt with similar stories in the past and be prepared for personal questions, by knowing what you do and do not want to discuss with them. Be aware that they are unlikely to show you the story before it goes live.

Email or phone the relevant section (news desk, charity or advertising dept) or specific reporters with your story. Visit Media Trust for further resources and support.

Due to the fast-paced nature of the news, reporters will receive hundreds of enquiries daily and won’t necessarily respond to your ideas for stories.

They rarely contact you to tell you they are going to use your story; Be proactive but polite, call them and check they have your information. Ask if they are thinking of using it and offer interviews and photos. Don’t call too much or they won’t be keen to work with you the next time.

If they use incorrect or malicious information you can complain to them directly for a retraction or contact the Press Complaints Commission or OFCOM to escalate the complaint.

These are individuals, selected by voters, who represent their constituency’s views (including yours) at different levels of government. Lobbying them on issues important to you can influence policy and make changes. Some have specific interests or experiences that may prove useful to your cause.

Politicians are notorious for ‘spin’; putting a positive angle on something when it suits the political climate, and ignoring things that don’t fit with this. This is part of political life but, if like reporters their reasons for getting behind an issue are not totally clear to you, ask them to explain their interests, and if you feel uneasy working with them get support or find another politician who can help.

Local politicians have advice surgeries you can attend, and many have websites, and social media accounts. You can also use the online tool Write To Them which will find your local politicians and give you tips on what to say. You can also call their Constituency Office for information and find out the best time to get hold of them face-to-face.

Depending on their schedule, and interest in your cause, expect to wait anything from a few days to a couple of weeks for a reply.

Try them again with a different type of contact, such as calling their constituency office to chase up a letter or email, or writing to them (always keep copies). They are elected by you and should listen to your issues otherwise they risk losing your vote.

If you feel a politician has behaved in an unacceptable fashion, firstly write to them to give them an opportunity to address the issue. If this does not give you the outcome you want, you can complain to the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards (www.parliament.uk/pcs) or contact the chair of their relevant party.