Wavemaker and Voxly Digital have partnered to develop and build a new web-based chatbot for leading UK specialist Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) charity, Solace. Launched today, the service provides 24/7 access to a wealth of information, advice and support, quickly yet discreetly, to those who require immediate help, either for themselves or for supporting a survivor.
The easing of lockdown has meant that calls to Solace’s live-chat agents and free advice line have more than doubled, rising a staggering 117% since before the pandemic. With a finite level of resource available, a chat line that closed at 5pm, and the knowledge that younger users don’t always feel comfortable (or safe) calling a helpline, Solace needed to offer fast and effective support via additional routes.
As part of the annual Wavemaker Unites Charity Day, Solace turned to the leading media agency armed with a brief for help. Wavemaker responded to the challenge by donating funds and pro-bono project management resource to facilitate the creation of a new chatbot. Voxly Digital, one of Europe’s leading Conversational AI agencies, was brought in to lead on all aspects of design, content curation and creation, wireframing and development of the chatbot.
Working in close collaboration with the Solace, Wavemaker and Voxly Digital teams helped to refine the user experience. In addition, they selected the appropriate information to include within the service, from how to access counselling, housing and homelessness support services, and spotting the signs of abuse, to practical advice for keeping safe, and how to refer a friend or family member to Solace.
Judith Banjoko, Director of Services at Solace, commented: “For many the easing of lockdown means the enjoyment of renewed freedoms, but for women and families facing abuse and violence they may finally be able to leave and flee from abuse. As a charity known for our advice line, safe houses and rape crisis support, it came as no surprise that we were inundated with calls for help. We wanted to make sure that each and every survivor received the information, advice and support they needed quickly and efficiently, that meant a rethink of our current service offering.”
Paul Hutchison, CEO UK at Wavemaker, added: “Solace provides invaluable support to those facing and fleeing violence at home. We identified an opportunity to work with Voxly Digital to build and develop a chatbot that could address the increase in demand coming into the Solace advice line post-lockdown. Not only does it offer 24/7 support to those in need, but it does it in a way that is discreet, quick and safe. We are proud of what the teams have achieved.”
Rozzi Meredith, Head of Innovation Strategy at Voxly Digital, said: “It’s been a pleasure working on such an important and worthy project with the team at Solace and Wavemaker. Conversational interfaces like webchat offer speed, scalability and personalisation. Designed to be simple and streamlined for users, behind the scenes the Solace webchat has a range of complex logic at play. Depending on the time of the day and a user’s location (should they chose to temporarily share it) the webchat offers dynamic content and advice, helping to funnel users to the appropriate services and support. We’re delighted to be rolling out the first version of this service with plans include live-agent handover in time to keep supporting those who desperately need it”
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About Wavemaker
We believe there always is a better way to grow. We positively provoke growth for our clients by reshaping consumer decision-making and experiences through media, content and technology. The Wavemaker way is globally consistent. Fuelled by the world’s most powerful consumer data, we understand where and how marketing can intervene decisively to help brands win more sales. Our 7,600 people across 88 markets have the deep knowledge, confidence and courage to provoke growth for some of the world’s leading brands and businesses. We are a part of GroupM, WPP’s global media investment management company.
Discover more on wavemakerglobal.com/uk, Twitter and LinkedIn.
About Voxly Digital
Voxly Digital is Europe’s leading voice and Conversational AI agency. We connect brands & consumers through Conversational AI. Our mission is to help brands formulate a market-winning strategy and develop the world’s best conversational experiences. We’re experts in strategy, design and development for voice and chat platforms like WhatsApp, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Webchat, and more. Our clients include dozens of global brands like Unilever, COTY, Diageo, BMW, BBC Match of the Day Magazine, Joe Wicks, Public Health England, Sony Pictures, The National Hockey League and many others.
Visit us at voxlydigital.com or linkedin.com/company/voxly-digital/
About Solace
Solace is a leading specialist VAWG charity in the UK, with over 45 years’ experience working with survivors of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). We deliver eight core multi-disciplinary empowering services that support women and children from the moment of crisis to recovery and independence. Solace offers ongoing support to survivors, helping them to rebuild their lives through advice advocacy and support. Solace also provides safe refuge and move-on accommodation to women and children made homeless through VAWG. Our 1 – 1 counselling, group work and specialist holistic therapies help survivors recover after experiencing traumatic abuse.
Our rape crisis service offers a range of services to women and girls 13+ who have experienced any form of sexual violence at any time in their lives. Our Children and Young People’s (CYP) team delivers a range of services, including prevention work, for families and young people living in the community. Through our national training courses and consultancy, we help other organisations to improve their response to VAWG.
Solace supports more than 23,000 women and girls each year as well as a small but increasing number of men. Solace run a wide range of services from an advice line, safe houses and rape crisis support. More recently Solace have been accelerating their work with young people in schools as they are in one of the highest age groups to experience domestic abuse in their relationships.
Media Enquires:
Wavemaker
Niki Hutchinson (LarkHill PR)
niki@larkhillpr.com
+44 (0)7790 776128