Resources I rate (and some I’ve made)
Tools, templates, articles and people I come back to time and time again.
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.
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.
My templates & guides
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Get seen: guide to getting PR
Written for small teams and busy comms managers, this guide is full of practical steps, tips and templates to help you get press coverage.
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Press release template
A basic template to help you structure your press releases (works best when used alongside the tips from my guide to getting PR coverage!)
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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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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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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 resources
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Wellbeing guide for comms professionals
A practical guide from CharityComms with case studies, tips, and frameworks to help you 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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Confidence & Wellbeing Guide for Leaders
This free guide from The Peer Coach provide females 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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Social Firefly
A social media agency that just gets it. Purpose-led, values-driven, and full of smart, strategic thinkers. (Full disclosure: I’m part of this brilliant team.)
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Bright Cause
This agency brings bold ideas into impact through campaigns, marketing, fundraising, and events. (Full disclosure: I’m the comms part of this fab 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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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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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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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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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.