Resources I rate (and some I’ve made)
Tools, templates, articles and people I come back to time and time again.
Whether I’m deep in a brand strategy project, planning social content, or reminding myself to take a proper lunch break, these are the things that help.
This is my go-to collection of practical, thoughtful, and genuinely useful resources — especially handy for small teams, freelancers, and comms professionals juggling multiple hats.
You’ll find a mix of external tools I love, and original templates and guides I’ve created myself, based on what I’ve needed (and wished I’d had) in past roles.
I’ll keep adding to this page over time - so whether you're after inspiration, structure, or a shortcut, I hope there’s something here that helps.
My templates & guides
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Tone of voice checklist
A quick, printable checklist to keep your comms sounding like you — even when you’re busy, juggling channels, or briefing others.
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Same message, different channel
One message doesn’t fit all. This guide helps you tweak your copy for social, email, website and print — without losing your tone or your mind.
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How to brief a freelancer
What to include, what to skip, and how to get better results (without the endless back-and-forth). Written from both sides of the freelance fence.
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Freelancer brief template
An easy-to-edit template to help you brief designers, writers, videographers - whoever you’re working with.
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Mini comms plan template
A simple two-pager to help you get clear on your audience, goals, key messages, and channels - without overthinking it.
Tools & templates I love
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Hootsuite: Social Media Trends 2025
A solid, stats-packed report that’s actually readable. Good for gut-checking your approach or refreshing a strategy.
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CharityComms: Social media platform checklist
Simple, helpful, and perfect for reviewing where you’re posting — and why.
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Charity Digital: How charities can use AI securely
Clear advice for teams thinking about AI. I'm a big believer that we should be embracing AI — just not blindly. It’s a tool, not a replacement.
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CharityComms: Evaluate your presence across social platforms
Big-picture thinking in checklist form. Handy if you're planning a social audit or just feeling a bit “why are we even doing TikTok?”
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Media Trust's Resource Hub
Brilliant free guides, resources, toolkits and tips on marketing and communications. Media Trust also offer great training and support for charities (including some free courses!).
Wellbeing & burnout resources
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CharityComms: Wellbeing guide for comms professionals
A practical guide with case studies, tips, and frameworks to help comms professionals manage mental health in an 'always on' culture.
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Starts at the Top podcast
Conversations on leadership, culture, and wellbeing in the charity sector. Hosted by Zoe Amar and Paul Thomas, it's a thoughtful listen for leaders and comms professionals.
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Mental Health UK: Burnout resources
Insights into the causes of burnout, its impact on mental health, and strategies to manage stress and isolation.
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Charity Digital: How to help your staff avoid burnout
Guidance for charity employers on supporting staff wellbeing through effective workplace processes and culture.
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The Peer Coach: Confidence & Wellbeing Guide for Leaders
This free guide draws on various therapy, coaching and wellbeing approaches to provide female leaders with a practical handbook to confidence and wellbeing.
Freelancers & agencies I recommend
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olio creative
Graphic design, branding, Squarespace websites, campaigns and video - all with personality and purpose. (Full disclosure: I’m part of this brilliant little team.)
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Morever
Experts in film production, animation, and design — and they offer brilliant training for in-house teams too. Practical and creative.
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Social Firefly
A social media agency that just gets it. Purpose-led, values-driven, and full of smart, strategic thinkers.
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Sarah Baldwin
PR, communications and media support with heart. Sarah’s especially great at working with charities and human rights orgs.
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Lumos Consulting
Smart, practical fundraising and campaign support for purpose-led orgs. In the past two years alone, Manjeet’s helped raise over £2 million.
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Pippa Aldrich
SEO and digital marketing that doesn’t feel scary. Friendly, thorough, and brilliant at helping small orgs get found for the right things.
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Tom Madders
Campaigns and comms consultant, Tom, combines strategic insight with a real understanding of what it takes to deliver impactful, people-powered campaigns.
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Kerry Harrison
A brilliant photographer who captures real moments with warmth, empathy and character. Great for organisations that want imagery that tells a story.
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Ben O'Brien
Bright illustration with a thoughtful edge. Ben’s work is instantly recognisable - bold colours, clear storytelling, and a knack for turning your ideas into beautifully simple visuals.