RETHINK MENTAL ILLNESS GOES DIGITAL
Rethink Mental Illness is a charity that helps millions of people by challenging misconceptions and helping people confronted with breakdown and social dependance, with over 200 mental health services across England. But after a dramatic rise in public demand for information, Rethink Mental Illness took a big step when they decided to build a new website with London based agency Dam Digital. The new site has been designed in a modern way, with quicker and easier access to information and support.
"We really wanted our new site to bring a complete packaged experience to our users," says James Harris, the associate director for communications at Rethink Mental Illness. "We knew the site was due for a refresh and Dam’s approach to reimagining the user experience was immediately in line with exactly what we had intended. They clearly cared about our audience from the very beginning, and we are absolutely overwhelmed with the response to the new site so far."
Unlike before, Rethink made sure the website was accessible via mobile, which is key since many users go onto the platform with their smartphone. Indeed, the website can now be used by fundraisers, carers, campaigners and health professionals as well as beneficiaries, with quicker and easier access to information and support. A user can then click on the red button "get help now" to find the nearest accident and emergency department and call an emergency or emotional support line. The user can also click on "advice and information" to learn more about mental illness, the symptoms and medication.
Nadia Turan, executive creative director at Dam Digital adds, "Mental health is such a core issue at the moment, touching so many lives, and it has been fantastic for us to create this fresh digital platform for such an incredible charity. The shared goal of communicating that you do not have to face mental illness alone gave us serious motivation and made it a rewarding experience for the entire agency."
The digital transformation of Rethink Mental Health’s is a turning point for the charity, and perhaps charities in general, as the online service will provide help to a wider spectrum of people.