What you can do:

Organise a public meeting

This is not as hard as you might think and can really help to galvanise support and motivate people into action.

The support of a local group will make this much easier. Try your local union branch, as they may have access to venues and be able to suggest speakers.

Make contact with the local paper: they may be willing to help advertise your event, perhaps through a story about your local NHS.

Involving local people - like your MP - will help to spark interest and attendance.

Don't forget the human side. Local NHS staff will be able to help explain to the meeting how privatisation will affect local people's experience of healthcare.

Contact the KNOP campaign if you are planning an event and would like a list of possible speakers.

Holding a demonstration or a lobby

These can be an excellent way to get publicity, especially if attended by a large number of people. Be prepared for other groups to attend. Also think about how others will perceive your action, and whether this will help or hinder your campaign.

The success or failure of a demonstration or lobby can depend on how many people turn up, so make sure it is well advertised and that the press publicises the event. Get a speaker to say a few words at the event to remind people why they are doing it, such as a health worker. You could contact your local UNISON branch for their help.

If you can't get large numbers, make it colourful or use a visual gimmick to sell it to the media. A good picture opportunity can give you prominent media coverage. The media response to your demonstration is very important.

Send out a press release before the event to make sure that the press know about it and can send a journalist. Journalists will almost certainly want to talk to somebody who is taking part, so decide in advance who is going to speak and what they will say.

Demonstrations have to meet certain legal requirements, so make sure you are aware of these.