Reading Richard Branson’s book recently I enjoyed reading his praise of competitions. Some of the world’s greatest innovative thinking has come about as a result of competitions. As readers of my blog might know I am a fan of competitions AND the smart use of technology. The Department of Health, NHS London and London Health [...]
Taxi!
I am often asked for examples of low-cost behaviour change projects which can be implemented relatively easily. While long-term sustainable change takes time, resources and is best undertaken with a high level of insight, small-scale projects can be inspirational and attainable. After all, small projects are better than none at all. One project, which was [...]
Collaborative Consumption
Rather than tinkling around the edges with initiatives such as recycled packaging and energy-efficient cars, visionary thinkers are of the opinion we need to completely change the way we live. Big-bang changes like this are not easy to implement but movements which sprout up and quietly gather strength can drive, over time, substantial change. One [...]
The power of film
I am a great believer in the power of film (and to a lesser extent television) to change behaviour – possibly as I am an ex-TV Director and I love cinema! Look at the success of Black Gold – which told the story of coffee growers in Ethiopia being forced to sell their coffee beans [...]
Poppy Day: A Movement for Change
Today, Friday 20 April is Poppy Day in New Zealand. In return for a donation to the RSA Poppy Day appeal – which supports veterans as well as ex-service people and their families in need – we receive a distinctive red poppy. Poppy Day in New Zealand has an interesting history. It is celebrated in [...]
Chocolate for good deeds
Now that we have Easter and our annual excessive chocolate consumption feast out of the way, we can safely look at the novel idea chocolatier Anthon Berg came up with of letting customers pay for their chocolate treats with good deeds. The company set up a pop-up location called The Generous Store in Denmark – [...]
The Big Stick
Or could that be the small, furry stick? At a workshop I ran this week we had an extensive discussion around the use of enforcement and how it could be used as a tool to drive change. Being one of the four key approaches to change, its use needs to be focused and visible. Too [...]
International Review of Behaviour Change
I love the opportunity to celebrate anything worthwhile coming out of Scotland (sorry, I know I am biased!) and the International Review of Behaviour Change Initiatives report, published by the Scottish Government early last year is worth a look. It examines a range of behaviour change initiatives with the aim of enhancing understanding about differing [...]
Behavioral Health Resources Guide
I am often critical of the production of leaflets and booklets as a health promotion and behaviour change tool but they do have their place. When someone is newly diagnosed with a condition or when someone has made a decision to change a certain behaviour, a key first step can be to see what existing [...]
World Aids Day Gallery
From candle ceremonies in Copenhagen to gift-giving celebrations in Cambodia, World Aids Day was celebrated with a wide variety of events all over the world. Celebrities such as Alicia Keyes, Bono and Elton John all marked the day and concurred that the focus on HIV must continue. This gallery captures a selection of those global [...]