How Fonemedia Is Using Its Platform for Social Good: Our Shortlisted Partnership with Zarach

Who We Are: A Mobile-First Agency with a Purpose-Led Mission

Fonemedia is a mobile-first digital advertising agency based in Leeds, helping organisations captivate audiences with precision-targeted marketing.

Since 2008, we’ve championed the power of mobile to connect brands with real people. Today, we partner with brands and organisations primarily in Education, Recruitment, Property and the Public Sector to create smarter, more human-centric campaigns that make an impact.

Alongside our commercial work, we are committed to using our skills, platform, and time to support the communities around us through our Fonemedia for Good strategy.

Our partnership with Zarach, a Leeds-born charity tackling child bed poverty, exemplifies this commitment. Zarach was founded in 2017 by teacher Bex Wilson, who discovered pupils in her classroom were too tired to learn because they didn’t have a bed of their own. Since then, the charity has grown into a national organisation providing thousands of children with “bed bundles” that include a bed, mattress, duvet, pillow, and pyjamas — ensuring children have a safe, comfortable, and dignified place to sleep.

Our partnership with Zarach has involved:

Hands-on volunteering

Our staff have collectively given 87 hours delivering beds, bedding, and essential supplies directly to families across West Yorkshire. These deliveries have allowed our team to meet families first-hand and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by children living in crisis.

Fundraising

Through bake sales, raffles, and matched funding, Fonemedia’s head office team raised enough for two bed bundles in 2025, with 100% of proceeds donated to Zarach.

Advocacy and awareness

As a marketing agency, we use our platform to amplify Zarach’s mission — from raising awareness on social channels to encouraging other businesses to get involved. Our goal is to help Zarach reach more potential donors, supporters and corporate partners.

Ongoing commitment

Zarach has become part of our company culture. Volunteering and fundraising form a consistent thread throughout our internal calendar, supported by staff at all levels of the business. This sustained involvement ensures our contribution extends far beyond a single moment or campaign. Together, these efforts have helped extend Zarach’s reach, increase local support, and positively impact children and families experiencing crisis not just in Leeds but throughout England.

Why This Work Matters to Us

Our team’s hands-on involvement has made this partnership deeply personal. Many colleagues say delivering a bed bundle is an experience that stays with you.

“You can’t un-see what you see on a bed delivery. Supporting Zarach isn’t just a project — it’s something that changes the way you think about your community and your role in it.” Kathryn Carlin, Client Partnerships Director, Fonemedia

This emotional connection drives our continued commitment and reinforces the belief that small acts — delivered consistently — can make a meaningful difference.

What Being Shortlisted Means to Fonemedia

For us, being shortlisted in the CSR category is not just a celebration of our work — it is an opportunity to shine a brighter light on the reality of child bed poverty and the essential work Zarach does daily.

Our Founder & CEO, James Dalton, shared his thoughts:

“Seeing our CSR work recognised is incredibly meaningful — not because it celebrates us, but because it amplifies the impact of Zarach and the community around them.”

Looking Ahead

As we look to 2026, Fonemedia will continue to grow its Fonemedia for Good programme, supporting charities and local initiatives that improve lives and have a positive impact on our community. Our work with Zarach is a fundamental part of this.

We are delighted to have been shortlisted for the Northern Digital Awards and look forward to celebrating at the awards ceremony in Manchester.