When one of the Rocket team ended up in hospital after having her drink spiked. We knew we had to take action.

Rocket launched a high profile awareness campaign, making front-page news, to warn drinkers to stay safe. As part of Rocket’s Spiked Campaign powerful posters were created by our studio team to further hammer home the message.

Rocket spearheaded the hard-hitting awareness campaign to help stamp out drink spiking after our account executive, Louise Prickett, became a victim of this malicious crime

After hearing about Louise’s traumatic experience, Rocket Managing Director, Neil Thompson, was adamant action was needed urgently. He wanted to draw attention to the devastating consequences of drink spiking.

Neil, who set up Rocket in Northampton 13 years ago, said: “After hearing what happened to Louise I felt compelled to do something about it to try to help in some way.

“There needs to be zero tolerance – these acts could have fatal consequences. “What might be seen as funny or a prank by some can do more than spoil someone else’s night. It can ruin lives.”

Rockets Campaign

As an innovative, creative agency, Rocket’s team pooled its skills and expertise as part of its drink spiking awareness campaign.

Rocket’s creative studio team produced posters alerting drinkers about the risks of having their drink spiked. Their PR team also set writing headline-grabbing articles including Louise’s own traumatic story.

Rocket’s campaign was welcomed by Northamptonshire Police alongside local pub companies in the town, including the McManus Pub Company and The Richardsons Group. Both businesses put posters by Rocket up in their numerous pubs and venues in the town to warn drinkers.

Northampton Pubwatch is also backing Rocket’s campaign pledging to print posters for its numerous members. This consists of pubs and clubs across Northampton.

Chairman of Northampton Pubwatch association, Karim Ayoubi said: “We are sorry to hear of a spiking incident involving a member of Rocket’s team and welcome their campaign to bring this issue to the fore once more.”

Rocket’s campaign made front-page news in the Northampton Chronicle & Echo. The newspaper also ran a double page spread news feature inside the weekly paper. After agreeing to back the awareness campaign the newspaper featured further coverage on the latest updates.  This included the support by police based at Moulton College and the Students’ Union at the University of Northampton. Both the university and college has helped spread the word about the campaign via social media. As well as digitally displaying Rocket’s warning posters, reaching thousands of students in the area.

Taking Action

Northampton Chronicle & Echo editor and group editor of Northamptonshire Newspapers and Premier Newspapers, David Summers, said: “The Chronicle & Echo was happy to support the Spiked campaign by Rocket PR and raise awareness through our online and print audiences, particularly in the run-up to the festive period.

“Everyone has heard anecdotal stories about people having their drinks spiked, but few people have had the courage to come forward and say it has happened to them.

“Louise’s experience was a traumatic one and full credit to her for speaking openly about the issue. It clearly struck a chord with our readers, with many expressing support for Louise and praising her for speaking out.

“The debate also revealed that there is some way to go with making people understand the issues behind the drink-spiking. As many commentators revealing their ignorance. Campaigns such as spiked by Rocket PR are the best way to tackle this attitude and put the issue into the public domain. The vast majority of people were fully supportive of the campaign. Since its launch, the campaign has been backed by the police and other licensed premises. I hope it will continue to gain backing throughout the town.”

Neil added: “We are pleased we have been able to help raise awareness about this serious issue and appreciate all the support we have had from local businesses and organisations.”

* If you would like to support the campaign or put up posters contact us here at Rocket on 01604 250900 or email spiked@rocket-creative.com