Hitch is delighted to be attending the 9th World Social Marketing Conference (WSMC) hosted this year in Alicante, Spain. The conference will run from 5-7 November.
The theme for this year is "Catalysts for Change: Uniting Global Efforts to Shape a Better Future." This theme underscores the importance of collective action, innovation, and collaboration in addressing the pressing social, environmental, and health challenges of our time.
We are happy to contribute to this year's event by showcasing six of our projects at the conference.
Poster no 8 - “Breathe Better” air pollution education and awareness campaign
The “Breathe Better” campaign, funded by DEFRA and commissioned by Wirral Council, aimed to reduce air pollution caused by domestic burning in Wirral, UK. Using behavioural insights, audience segmentation, and hyper-local messaging, it educated residents on safer burning practices, reduced particulate emissions, and promoted healthier behaviours. Through targeted storytelling, stakeholder collaboration, and community-led engagement, the campaign improved awareness of air quality, drove measurable behaviour change, and provided a blueprint for future environmental and public health initiatives.
You can find out more on the "Breathe Better" campaign page and view the WSMC poster for "Breathe Better" here.
Poster no 9 - "Feed Your Way” - a behavioural approach to breastfeeding support
The “Feed Your Way” campaign aimed to support breastfeeding initiation and continuation in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, UK, through an inclusive public health initiative underpinned by self-determination theory. Applying behavioural insights and a co-created social marketing approach, the campaign prioritised autonomy, community support, and confidence-building over traditional health-focused messaging. This innovative approach successfully fostered positive attitudes toward breastfeeding and inspired wider public health interest and adoption across the UK.
You can find out more on the "Feed Your Way" campaign page and view the WSMC poster for "Feed Your Way" here.
Poster no 10 - "It’s Well Worth It” scalable smoking cessation behaviour change campaign
The “It’s Well Worth It” smoking cessation campaign used behavioural insights and social marketing to engage men aged 25-35 from lower socio-economic groups (C2, D, E) working in routine and manual occupations - identified as having high smoking prevalence and low engagement with cessation services. Initially launched in East Sussex, UK, the campaign’s clear, relatable, and actionable messaging led to significant success and was later adopted across other regions, including Kent, West Sussex, Surrey, Oxfordshire, Brighton, Portsmouth, and Liverpool. Through co-creation, audience segmentation, and multi-channel delivery across digital, Out-of-Home, and healthcare settings, the campaign demonstrated the impact of tailored, scalable social marketing. Its success provides a blueprint for designing adaptable, insight-led public health campaigns that drive meaningful behaviour change among high-risk groups.
You can find out more on the "It's Well Worth It" project page and view the WSMC poster for "It's Well Worth It" here.
Poster no 11 - "OK to Ask?" campaign - tackling youth produced sexual imagery
The "OK to Ask?" campaign aimed to prevent the creation and sharing of youth-produced sexual imagery (YPSI) among 13-17-year-olds in Surrey, UK. Developed with young people, it applied social norms theory, peer-led messaging, and digital engagement to challenge the normalisation of requesting nudes, empower teens to resist peer pressure, and promote respectful relationships. Through co-creation, behavioural insights, and social marketing strategies, the campaign achieved high engagement, shifted attitudes, and equipped young people, parents, and educators with practical tools to navigate this issue.
You can find out more on the "OK to Ask?" project page and view the WSMC poster for "OK to Ask?" here.
Poster no 12 - Behavioural insights for early detection and prevention of kidney disease
Kidney Research UK (KRUK) commissioned Hitch to conduct an audience insights study to better understand at-risk groups and healthcare professionals’ perspectives on kidney disease. The research explored behavioural barriers to early detection and prevention of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), including low awareness, cultural factors, and healthcare access challenges. Findings informed recommendations for targeted interventions and social marketing strategies to support earlier diagnosis, empower healthcare professionals, and encourage proactive kidney health management.
You can find out more about our work with Kidney Research UK on the dedicated project page and view the WSMC poster for our Kidney Disease work here.
Poster no 13 - Increasing uptake of Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)
This project explored the barriers and facilitators to accessing Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), an antiretroviral medication that prevents HIV acquisition, among underserved communities, including Black African women, Trans and Non-binary individuals, and Sex Workers. Commissioned by The English HIV and Sexual Health Commissioners Group, the study applied the Behaviour Change Wheel to identify practical, multi-level recommendations to improve PrEP uptake, highlighting the need for peer-educator networks, non-clinic support, and revised access models.
You can find out more about our work on PrEP on the dedicated project page and view the WSMC poster for our PrEP work here.
To find out more about any of these projects, explore adopting a campaign in your local area, or learn more about our wider work, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or use the contact button below.
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