Pictured: Janice Smith, director for strategy and business support at Midland Heart

The communications team at housing and care organisation Midland Heart is celebrating after being shortlisted for an award at the prestigious Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) Excellence Awards for an innovative campaign involving the safeguarding of its customers.

The team is poised to scoop the `Not for Profit Award` which recognises the success of marketing campaigns made on a limited budget. 

Safeguarding is about protecting those who may be at risk of some form of abuse. This is a priority for Midland Heart which works with some of the most vulnerable people in its communities including older people, the homeless and those with mental health issues and learning disabilities. 

The hard hitting campaign, 'Every Contact Counts', was launched internally to staff to highlight the importance of protecting customers and building knowledge of what they should do if they suspect abuse of any kind taking place. The campaign has been deemed a great success with most staff engaging with the project at some stage. 

Janice Smith, strategy and business support director at Midland Heart said: "We are absolutely delighted to be shortlisted for the award. Safeguarding is so important to Midland Heart. We work with vulnerable people everyday and support them through some of the most challenging times in their lives. We see things others may not and occasionally what we see will be an important clue to someone needing help.  

"`Every Contact Counts` has been instrumental in raising awareness and teaching people what to do if a situation arises. The communications team deserves to be recognised for making this campaign such a huge success."

The safeguarding initiative was launched in October 2010 and was developed across all of the Midland Heart service areas in partnership with its customers and communities, and care and support teams.

The Marketing Excellence Awards showcase exceptional marketing campaigns and activity across many industries. They also reward individuals and teams who have made a significant impact in their trade. 

Winners will be announced at a glittering ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London on 23rd February 2012.