A Swindon public relations agency has pledged a year of free communications support to a local charity helping people navigate some of life’s toughest challenges.
Scott Media has announced a 12-month pro bono partnership with Best Mates, an organisation that connects people facing difficulties with volunteers who have lived through similar experiences themselves.
The partnership will see the agency provide public relations and communications support throughout the coming year, helping the charity raise its profile and reach more people who may benefit from its services.
The arrangement forms part of Scott Media’s annual commitment to support a local charity or community organisation without charge, providing professional expertise that can often be beyond the reach of smaller voluntary groups.
Founded by Swindon community figures Jeff Tucker and Carl McCulloch, Best Mates has built a reputation for offering practical and empathetic support to adults facing a wide range of personal challenges.
Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, the organisation carefully matches individuals with a dedicated “Mate” — someone who has successfully overcome similar circumstances and can offer guidance based on personal experience.
Alongside its one-to-one support, the charity also runs its popular Walk & Talk Wednesday sessions, creating a welcoming environment where people can meet, share experiences and support one another in an informal setting.
Lauren Roberts, Media Consultant at Scott Media, said the charity’s approach resonated with her personally.
“When I heard the story behind Best Mates, I immediately found myself relating to it,” she said.
“There have been times in my own life when having someone to talk to, who had genuinely been through something similar, would have been incredibly helpful.
“That’s what makes Best Mates so powerful. The support comes from people who understand because they’ve faced their own challenges too. What Jeff and Carl have built is something really special. Our role is simply to help more people hear about it because if someone doesn’t know support is available, they may never reach out for it.”
The charity’s growth since launching just over two years ago has been notable. In that time, Best Mates has supported more than 280 people across the region and was recently named Charity of the Year at the South West Business Awards.
Jeff Tucker said the partnership would play an important role in helping the organisation continue to expand its reach.
“As a growing charity, support like this is invaluable,” he said.
“It will help us raise awareness of the work we do, reach more people who may be struggling, and ensure more people know that support is available.
“We are incredibly grateful to Fiona, Lauren and the team for believing in our mission and joining us on our journey.”
For many charities, awareness can be just as important as funding. While support services may exist, they can only make a difference if people know where to find them.
Through the new partnership, both organisations hope more residents across Swindon and the wider region will learn about the support available — and feel confident enough to take that first step towards asking for help.
