Southwark LBC

Fizz Free February was Southwark Council’s hugely successful and innovative campaign that encouraged people to give up fizzy drinks during February as part of its campaign to tackle childhood obesity and improve public health. The campaign had significant impact locally, helping hundreds of children go without fizzy drinks, and it was also adopted by dozens of other local authorities and organisations. Ultimately, the council and its campaign alliance of celebrities, politicians, national organisations, businesses and schools helped people go without fizzy drinks during February at unprecedented levels, prompting longer-term behavioural change and improving health for residents, especially children.

This award is open to a single council or where appropriate a partnership of councils, or a council-owned company. Private sector partners can enter on a council’s behalf, with the permission of the council itself. The communications function is more integral to what councils do than ever. Influencing behaviour – in relation to, for example, recycling, transport or looking out for older neighbours – is increasingly important, as is the need to build trust in the difficult decisions councils have to take in these challenging times. Campaigns can make a significant contribution to achieving these objectives, and this award is designed to showcase councils’ expertise in this area.