This year we launched our first-ever Social Media Awards, designed to celebrate the creativity, dedication and hard work of our volunteer leaders and young people.

It was fantastic to receive over 90 nominations, which were whittled down to a shortlist of finalists in each of the four categories.

Judging was carried out by a panel made up of representatives from the BB and Refresh PR (our PR agency) as well as Pete Markey, Chief Marketing Officer at Boots UK, who is a former BB member.

Pete told us: “The Boys’ Brigade made a massive difference to my life personally, I wouldn’t be doing the job I’m doing today and wouldn’t be the person I am today without the Brigade. I am hugely grateful and honoured to be part of these fantastic awards on social media. I want to congratulate all the winners, and thank everyone who took part. Your effort, your work, your creativity is brilliant and these awards have been so much fun to judge. Social media is a great way to tell stories about the impact the Brigade has on peoples’ lives.”

25% of the scoring was decided by a public vote, which saw over 3,300 votes received – an amazing show of support from across the country!

We’d like to say a huge well done to all of the groups who were shortlisted, and congratulations to the winners:

• Best Use of Social Media: For accounts that engage our community.
  • Gold Award: 2nd East Kilbride
  • Silver Award: 11th Northampton
  • Bronze Award: 7th/16th Motherwell
  • Finalists: 18th Halifax, 35th Liverpool, 2nd Wednesbury
• Best Use of Photography: For visuals that tell our story.
  • Winner: 1st Rainford
  • Finalists: 3rd Enfield, 7th Northampton, 1st Rosehearty
• Best Use of Video Content: For the most engaging and inspiring videos that capture the essence of The Boys’ Brigade.
  • Winner: 11th Northampton
  • Finalists: 3rd Bearsden, 18th Halifax, 35th Liverpool
• Best New Account: For any new social media account launched in 2023 that has made an impact in a short time.
  • Winner: 4th Bournemouth
  • Finalists: 1st Barnet, 54th Sheffield, 5th West Bromwich

Thank you to all of our groups for your fantastic work in using social media to share the opportunities that children and young people have to experience “life to the full”.

Time to Shine: Communications Toolkit

Time to Shine is our Communications Toolkit which has been developed in partnership with Refresh PR.

The toolkit is designed to help equip you to talk about what the BB does, the impact it has and how people can get involved. It includes a range of Template Press Releases, Social Media Guides and an opportunity to become a BB Star.

Check out the full toolkit at boys-brigade.org.uk/comms-toolkit