"Do you see me?"
Bethel is now drawing attention to its diaconal work with a new, Germany-wide campaign. The slogan chosen for the current billboards is a question: "Do you see me?" is written in large letters right next to people looking the viewer in the eye. Four different motifs can be seen on around 20,000 analogue and digital surfaces in eleven federal states. There are also four short films that sensitively portray the protagonists of the campaign.
Monika loves her weekly ritual
The people pictured on the posters live and work in Bethel or go to school here. Monika Fitzon, for example. She lives in assisted living at a Bethel facility for people with disabilities in Dortmund. Together with her group, the 63-year-old makes her way to the weekly market every week - an integral part of her life and a great example of active participation. The highlight for her: a large latte macchiato. Nothing works without it - it is her weekly market ritual and her very personal moment of pleasure.
Daniel enjoys life
Another "main character" is Daniel*. He has found a home in a residential group in Bethel where he feels at home. Here, the quiet, introverted man can pursue his favourite pastime: On a cosy lounger in the garden, he listens to the radio and watches the hustle and bustle around him. Only Katharina can tempt him away from this favourite spot: "Do you want to dance?" she asks. Daniel doesn't need to be told twice. When the occupational therapist holds out her hands, he immediately rushes over. He enjoys dancing together. He enjoys the moment with his favourite employee.
Friendships at the special school
The Topehlen School, a Bethel special school specialising in mental development in Lemgo, is attended by four people who make a big appearance in the large-scale campaign: One motif shows the friendship between Lea and Aaron, which gets by without words. Lukas and Max look forward to their breaks and romp around in the school playground with scooters, swings and a "pirate ship".
All of these people are at the centre of Bethel's facilities and services. The campaign's claim "Do you see us?" summarises the inclusive idea that underpins Bethel's diaconal work: this is why the people featured in the campaign appear as genuine and authentic personalities who act with self-determination. At Bethel, employees ensure that all people who live with disabilities or who are ill receive as much care, support or assistance as necessary so that they can participate in life as fully as possible. This is the only way inclusion can succeed.
The poster campaign is only possible for Bethel thanks to the generous support of a large outdoor advertising company, which provides the advertising space for the Bethel charitable organisation on very favourable terms.
*Last name not published at personal request
Text: Robert Burg | Picture: Christian Weische | Video: Matthias Cremer
More information about the campaign and the protagonists can be found here
This story simply told
Bethel shows with the campaign "Do you see me?" people with disabilities. They live, learn and work at Bethel. Posters and films tell of their everyday lives. The campaign wants to show: All people are important and should be able to participate well in life.
