The Encephalitis Society has launched ‘Brain Walk 2019’ ahead of the sixth annual World Encephalitis Day on 22 February.

Given the enormous investment costs associated with developing digital products, it is often difficult for charitable or not-for-profit organisations to take on the risk of launching this type of project. The fact that the app has been relaunched this year suggest this has been a successful endeavour for the Encephalitis Society.

The app can sync with a FitBit or with the inbuilt health app on smartphones and allows users to track their daily walking activity along with other participants around the world. Linking the app with existing technology allows it to capitalise on activities that people are already enjoying.

Users can create their own teams, or join existing ones, and features a newsfeed so members can post updates, pictures and words of encouragement. This connectivity is a major draw for many people, particularly those who suffer from this kind of brain injury. The leader board feature adds incentives to participate, offering satisfaction through challenge-based activities between teams and individuals, by setting specific goals and challenges. There is also a section where users can donate to the charity or buy a t-shirt, as well as access more information and support.

The app won gold in the ‘Best use of digital by a charity, NGO or NFP’ category at last year’s Digital Impact Awards, as well as Best Fundraising Technology award at the 2018 Charity Times Awards.

To read more about the Digital Impact Awards, click here