Writing a letter to the letters page is one of the quickest and easiest ways to contact your local media. The letters page is one of the most read parts of a local newspaper. To enhance your chances of getting a letter printed it’s helpful to read previous letters to get a sense of the style they like to publish.  

Keep it short (150 words maximum), make your message clear and simple, and put your most important point in the first sentence. Speak from the heart, and if you can, relate your letter to a story the paper has covered, or a prominent local place or issue. Include your contact details!

Example open letter:

If your group or organisation is doing great work then shout about it. Frame your work as a positive alternative to the hostile environment; celebrate your successes; tell human stories which bring stories of seeking sanctuary to life. Remember that most people won’t know about your work and will be interested in your every day. 

A press release is a great way to get your story picked up. But make sure it’s clear and concise to get the attention of a busy journalist. Try to grab the news editor’s attention in the first paragraph. You should aim to sum up your story in around 30 words and to answer the following questions: who, what, why, where, when?  

Use a quote that can put across the concerns passionately and from an individual’s perspective, but don’t use formal language in a quote.  

Create a headline to put at the top of the press release that is eye-catching and describes the story.  

Include contact details at the end, including a daytime contact or email address and make sure you’re available to respond to enquiries.  

Photos often sell a story. Bear in mind that any images for publication need to be digital and high resolution, 1MB or more. 

How to reach out to a local newspaper

Press release structure:

Human stories are incredibly compelling. Speak from the heart, talk about the experiences which led you to where you are today. Where possible, safely platform the stories of people who have lived experience of seeking sanctuary – most people will never have heard directly from someone with these experiences, so hearing these stories can be incredibly powerful, especially when told from a local perspective. 

Before telling your story or encouraging anyone else in your community to do so, ensure you are aware of the risks. We live in divisive times where people can receive hate from speaking up. 

5 ways to counter hate on social media

Prepare a clear and concise message that emphasises empathy, understanding, and the need for support for refugees. Facts and stats aren’t often the best way of changing hearts and minds, instead highlight personal stories or anecdotes that illustrate the human side of the refugee experience. Where possible, focus on your own experiences – remember, whilst it’s easy to dismiss a fact, it is much harder to disagree with someone’s lived experience. Where using facts or data, ensure you have accurate information and that you feel comfortable responding to any questions which might be raised. Recognize that not everyone may share your views, and be prepared to engage respectfully with differing opinions. Approach the conversation calmly and with empathy and understanding. 

Example talking points:

5 ways to prepare for media interviews.

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How to use narratives to build public support for refugees and asylum seekers

How to talk about hotels and the asylum system

Changing the narrative around migrant destitution