Raising Hope – Securing Broadcast Coverage for a Miss Wales Finalist Making a Difference
I’m thrilled to share the success of a recent PR campaign for Miss Wales finalist, Hope Shakespeare, from Llantwit Major. Representing Hope, I secured fantastic regional media coverage — including an interview on Bro Radio — helping to raise her profile and share her inspiring new initiative: RISE, a student wellbeing campaign tackling loneliness across Wales.
Launched on 28 October, RISE aims to address the growing issue of student loneliness through awareness, connection, and empowerment. Hope, who has spoken openly about her own experiences, hopes to inspire young people to seek support and find community without stigma.
“Since moving to university, I’ve struggled tremendously with loneliness,” Hope said. “It affects you mentally and emotionally and makes you question yourself. I want other young people to know they are not alone and that support is out there.”
The campaign focuses on four key aims:
Raising awareness of student loneliness
Encouraging open conversations in schools and universities
Supporting connection through peer and social events
Empowering students to recognise and respond to loneliness
Through RISE, Hope plans to deliver school talks, university meetups and peer-led friendship clubs, helping to build genuine social connections among students across Wales.
Born and raised in Llantwit Major, Hope is passionate about using her Miss Wales platform to drive positive change. Her message is simple but powerful: “RISE is about community, connection and courage.”
We’re proud to have helped share Hope’s story on Bro Radio and across digital channels, amplifying her voice and mission to combat student loneliness.
If your organisation would like to partner with RISE, Hope and her team are inviting collaborations with schools, universities, and community groups across South Wales — particularly in the Vale of Glamorgan — to help expand the campaign’s reach and impact.
