Thames Clippers -
hosting Café Conversations
the brief_
For Thames Clippers, London’s leading River Bus, Siren Comms was tasked with delivering a good news story with the brand at the centre of the offering. In conjunction, the campaign needed to increase awareness of the Thames Clippers offering as more than a commuter service, and of its USPs: on-board bar, comfortable interiors and great views along the way
the approach_
With the media appetite for companies giving back and ‘doing good’, Siren pitched, developed and implemented a partnership with Café Conversations to create the first sessions to take place on a boat.
Café Conversations brings people together from all walks of life who feel lonely or isolated – an increasing problem in modern London.
Siren Comms worked with Café Conversations creator, Louise Kaye to get her buy-in and bolster the activity. The event structure mimicked that of the Chiswick events, which is a facilitated conversation around a coffee table, in a dedicated space on-board.
Free to attend, people signed up online, a limited number of places allocated on a first-come-first-served basis to keep numbers contained for manageable conversations.
It was launched for World Mental Health Awareness Day, with targeted media relations across the capital and in relevant hyper-local outlets along with social media activity. Local partners, communities, and local media outlets were engaged to reach the relevant people in departure locations.
To increase awareness and add an additional element to the launch event, feline influencer and therapy cat Quita joined the first sailing with participants interacting with her while engaging in conversation. A video of Quita was created and placed on social feeds.
the result_
The campaign delivered opportunities to bring Londoners together and, as offered during the mid-week off-peak, highlight the service’s offering while delivering on the objective of raising awareness of the service outside of the commuter/tourist service.
Sessions sold out and were attended by people from all walks of life across the capital who formed genuine connections to others.
Pieces of coverage
Media value (£)
The Curtain - driving membership growth through partnerships Thames Clippers - social media influencer takeover