The best charity communicators of 2020 revealed

Charity Communication group CharityComms has announced the winners of its 2020 Inspiring Communicator Awards.

For this year’s award scheme 12 winners have been announced, who have created engaging and innovative communications during a year that has been defined by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“In an extraordinary year these individuals have really stepped up to the plate, coping with the loss of face to face comms and finding new ways for people to access services and engage online,” said CharityComms chief executive Adeela Warley.

“They have made the impossible seem possible in the face of uncertainty and change and their stories make us feel proud to be part of a sector that continually pushes for positive social change no matter what.”

The winners include Alana Genge, communications manager at Health in Mind. She has excelled in her promotion of the launch of new support services and Covid-19 resources to help people look after their mental health, tackle loneliness and cope with home working.

“With a creativity that shines in everything she does, when faced with the loss of face-to-face comms Alana found innovative ways to engage people,” said the judges.

Tracey Bleakley, the chief executive of Hospice UK has also been honoured for her communication skills steering the charity through the pandemic. This included tackling a lack of PPE for hospice staff as well as promoting mental health support for frontline key workers during the health crisis.

“Tracey offers visible leadership, clear direction and reassurance to people across the country and inspires people care about death, dying and bereavement,” said the judges.



Another is Parkinson’s UK content lead Dee Russell. Judges were impressed with her involvement of service users in an “innovative and creative” emergency appeal as well as ramping up the charity’s use of data and insight.

“Dee’s leadership is truly inspiring,” said the judges.

“Her love of asking questions and empowering others means she also finds time to help others both at work and in the sector more widely – sharing knowledge and challenges on social media and as in panel debates.”

Meanwhile Cruse Bereavement Care head of communications and digital Fiona Brydon was praised for “ensuring staff and volunteer wellbeing is emphasised across all communications channels”.

Others to be handed a 2020 Inspiring Communicator Award are: St Barnabas Lincolnshire marketing and communications manager Amelia Chambers; Sightsavers director of programme operations Nigeria, Joy Shu’aibu; Barnardo’s media and communications manager in London Scott Roberts; Lightful social media manager and trainer Tereza Litsa; Mayhew senior digital officer Alissa Johnson; Breadwinners programme manager Charlotte Gallagher; PACE head of partnerships, development and training Lindsay Dalton and Simi Limbu, communications officer, United Wold Schools Kathmandu, Nepal.

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