What brought you to Launchpad?
After a short career break, I was looking for a part time role in the charity sector which would use my communication skills. I hadn’t heard of Launchpad, but as soon as I saw the job and researched the charity, I knew I wanted to apply. Having worked for environmental, disability and children’s charities in the past, I wanted something a bit different and working in the homelessness sector appealed.
What does your role entail at Launchpad?
Working closely with the Marketing Manager I am part of the Marketing and Fundraising team of five. My main role is to write articles and create interesting content for the website, our monthly e-newsletter and our social media channels which I then upload. I also take photographs, make short videos, help at events and monitor coverage.
What is your career background?
I worked for 17 years as a journalist on local newspapers in Somerset before moving into the charity sector as Communications Manager for Somerset Wildlife Trust. I then worked for another two charities before coming to Launchpad. In my previous role I also took part in campaigning work which was a new area for me.
What are the challenges of your job?
Trying to grow our enews list contacts and building our followers on all our social media channels. With Threads, BlueSky and TikTok it’s tricky to know whether to start posting on all channels alongside our one with high engagement, namely LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram. I am part of a charity marketing and comms Facebook group and no-one seems to know what’s best! If you haven’t signed up for our monthly enews, please do so – you can do this at the bottom of every web page.
What do you like about the role you have?
I love the variety of the role and writing content that will keep people informed and entertained. I enjoy working so closely with fundraising too as it’s great seeing donations come in. There are some very supportive and caring people out there. I like working with all the different departments in Launchpad and meeting our clients. It is truly humbling to hear their stories.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Walking my golden retriever, Poppy. She trained as a guide dog but was taken out of the programme for various reasons, including chasing squirrels! But lucky for us she came to our family and has settled in very well. I now spend a lot of my time googling places to go with a dog! I’m currently studying for a Professional Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling which is fascinating.
You can read about more of our staff and volunteers here.