First Candle

Communications support for an important mission

Communications Strategy · Nonprofit · Social Media · Campaigns · Content Creation · Creative Direction · Education

The Challenge

First Candle is an international non-profit based in the U.S. that’s dedicated to ending Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) and other sleep-related infant deaths. The organization seeks to advocate and educate, as well as to support bereaved families.

Communicating infant safety messaging as well as bereavement support is a tricky tightrope to walk and must be done with clarity, sensitivity, and compassion. It’s essential to get the messaging right and to get information across to a wide range of audiences - from young parents and their extended families to health care professionals and government agencies.

The Approach

As an ongoing member of First Candle’s extended team, I provided a combination of communications planning, content, development, social media management, and creative design.

My day-to-day involvement included team meetings, developing educational and awareness materials, editing course content and creating communications that supported the organisation’s work. I also handled social media planning and execution, and worked to revamp the First Candle brand, creating a new logo and colour palette with individual colors to be used for either bereavement support work or safe sleep education.

The Outcome

The relationship gave First Candle flexible access to communications and creative expertise without the need to employ a full-time team member for every discipline. For me, this is a great example of what fractional communications should be - someone who understands an organisation, contributes ideas, and is there to help bring them to fruition.