Karen Bunston

Owner and founder of Comms For Good, Marketing and Communications Consultant, qualified copywriter, author and owner and founder of Blue Dog

United Kingdom

Karen Bunston | Marketing, Writing & Communications
Chartered Marketer | 10+ years’ experience in marketing and comms | 30+ years' experience in charitable and non-profit sector.

This is a curated selection of my strategic communications work - demonstrating multi-channel, audience-focused, impact-oriented outcomes.

About me:

I’m a communications and marketing specialist helping charities, health organisations and social enterprises tell their stories, grow their reach, and deepen their impact. With experience spanning brand development, campaigns, content strategy and digital engagement, I translate complex ideas into clear, human stories that inspire action.

I help charities, non-profits, health organisations and purpose-led businesses communicate clearly so people take action. From full website builds to behaviour-change campaigns, I specialise in turning complex messages into engaging, accessible content that gets noticed, trusted and understood.

Through Comms For Good, I’ve led award-winning projects and communications transformations for organisations including Healthworks and Newcastle Hospitals NHS.

I also build digital hubs and passive revenue streams for specialist niches, including dog owners and training communities.

Over the years I've delivered comms and marketing work to support one-off and ongoing projects for Healthworks, Sure Start, Northumbria University, Durham University, Newcastle University, Newcastle NHS Hospitals Trust, Northern Cancer Alliance, Newcastle City Council, Blue Dog, Search Newcastle, Healthwatch Gateshead and more.

I'd love to explore how I can support your organisation, please get in touch [email protected] | 07717 292272 I www.commsforgood.co.uk

Portfolio
Development of a controlled decentralised social media model - excerpt from guidance
Social Media Champions Initiative

Communications Leadership, Staff Development & Social Media Governance I developed and lead Healthworks' Social Media Champions initiative to strengthen communications across the organisation and help staff contribute confidently and effectively to our social media. The initiative brings together nominated staff from different services, supported by practical guidance, shared resources and regular meetings. I developed this guidance to help staff create purposeful, engaging and accessible...

Healthworks
10/05/2026
Brand Communications, Poster Design and Information Management

I developed and designed a coordinated collection of posters and information displays for Healthworks centres, bringing together service promotion, public health campaigns, impact reporting and visitor information. The project involved simplifying complex information, writing accessible and engaging copy, creating graphics and layouts, and developing a consistent visual approach across a wide range of communications materials. I also established a central digital resource where staff can...

Large format event display
10/05/2026
Healthworks: Delivering the Eight Marmot Principles | Strategic Communications and Information...

I developed and designed this A0 exhibition display to demonstrate how Healthworks puts the eight Marmot Principles into practice. The project involved translating complex public health policy, service information and impact data into a clear, accessible visual format for stakeholders, funders and commissioners. I created the content structure, graphics and layout, bringing together practical examples, measurable outcomes and estimated NHS and social care savings to show how Healthworks...

https://heyzine.com/flip-book/c1637868e8.html
Healthworks
09/22/2026
Healthworks Impact Report 2025–2026 | Strategy, Copywriting and Design

I led the development of Healthworks' 28-page Impact Report, managing the entire process from initial concept and content strategy through to writing, graphic design and final production. I brought together complex data, service outcomes and real-life stories, turning them into clear, engaging content that demonstrates the organisation's reach, impact and social value. The project involved developing the report's structure, writing and editing all content, creating custom infographics...

Blue Dog Hub
Blue Dog Hub: Digital Resource Platform for Dog Owners

The Blue Dog Hub is a self-developed digital resource platform providing calm, evidence-based guidance for dog owners through blogs, free downloads, ebooks and curated training resources. Designed to support both user experience and sustainability, the Hub includes a guided “Start Here” pathway, search-optimised blog content and integrated digital products to create an accessible learning journey while generating scalable income. The project demonstrates end-to-end digital development,...

https://youtu.be/TkO14yWDrJU
Collaboarative videoHealthworks x Fly Films
09/30/2025
Video Production: 30th Anniversary Stakeholder Video – working with Fly Films

I led the development of a vox-pop style promotional film to mark Healthworks’ 30th anniversary, working closely with Fly Films and key organisational stakeholders. I coordinated interviews, shaped messaging, managed the production schedule and ensured the final film captured authentic reflections on Healthworks’ impact. The video was showcased at the anniversary event and used across the website and social media to reach wider audiences.

The Works
12/01/2025
The Works | Festive Email Newsletter

Email Marketing, Editorial Planning, Copywriting & Design I plan, write, edit and design The Works, Healthworks' regular email newsletter, bringing together news, campaigns, resources and stories from across the organisation. My role includes coordinating content from different services, developing engaging and accessible copy, creating graphics and layouts, and ensuring a consistent tone and visual identity. The newsletter helps keep audiences informed, promotes services and...

Healthworks
11/20/2025
Healthworks at 30: Event Planning and Delivery

Working with the Chief Exec, I led the planning and delivery of the Healthworks 30th Anniversary Impact Launch event, coordinating timelines, stakeholders, content and visual assets to ensure a successful milestone celebration. I also collaborated with Fly Films to create 'vox pop' video featuring key stakeholders, capturing powerful reflections on Healthworks’ three decades of impact. This project demonstrates my ability to manage complex organisation-wide events and produce high-quality,...

Mailchimp
04/01/2024
NHS Mobile Cervical Screening Service Landing Page and Publicity

I created the landing page for the NHS Cervical Screening Mobile Unit, a partnership between the Northern Cancer Alliance, Newcastle GP Services, Gateshead Health NHS Trust and Healthworks. I developed clear, reassuring copy to encourage uptake, incorporating videos, testimonials and trusted resources. Alongside the webpage, I also produced the supporting social media campaign and printed materials, ensuring consistent, accessible messaging across all channels to help increase engagement and...

Comms For Good
Case Study: Search Newcastle

Over 18 months at Search Newcastle, I built a structured and sustainable fundraising function - developing community events and campaigns, securing business sponsorship, creating digital fundraising tools and resources, and increasing awareness and income, achieving a 3:1 ROI.

Healthworks Website
Healthworks: Website Development

I developed the look and feel of the new Healthworks website, working closely with the developer to create a cohesive, accessible, and user-friendly experience. I wrote, edited, and SEO-optimised all copy, created visuals, and carried out UX testing. I also manage the site ongoing - publishing updates, blog posts, and news items.

Sharepoint Intranet
Internal Communications: Staff Zone Intranet Development

I developed the Healthworks Staff Zone intranet to improve internal communication, make resources easier to access and strengthen cross-team collaboration. I also produced internal newsletters and supported staff engagement campaigns during key organisational events. This work helped create clearer, more connected communication across the whole organisation.

Chronicle Live
10/14/2025
Press and PR: North East charity's 'community-led' work saved NHS almost £50m last year

I led the communications and press work for Healthworks’ 30th Anniversary Impact launch, producing the press release and managing all media engagement. This secured major regional coverage, including BBC Look North, which featured Paula’s story to show the real-life impact of our services, and a full Evening Chronicle article highlighting the £46.2m social value savings for the NHS. This campaign significantly raised Healthworks’ profile across the North East.

Useful Vision: Chronicle Live story as a result of my press release
08/31/2025
Press and PR: Newcastle dad to take on Great North Run alongside son despite losing leg

I secured regional media coverage for Useful Vision by crafting a strong press release and building effective relationships with local journalists. The story of Paul and his son Max running the Great North Run for visually impaired children was featured in The Chronicle, demonstrating my ability to shape compelling human-interest stories and achieve positive press attention for charities.

An example of a funding outline for an animal charity
RSPCA Woodside Funding Proposal

I created a clear, compelling funding proposal for RSPCA Woodside, developing the narrative, messaging, structure and design to showcase the charity’s mission, impact and funding needs. The proposal combined strong storytelling with evidence and clear project aims, producing a polished, donor-ready document to support fundraising and future investment opportunities.

Online course developed into a scalable learning experience
06/27/2023
Cancer Conversations Online Awareness Course

I developed the concept for Healthworks’ online Cancer Awareness course, turning an in-person workshop into a scalable one-to-many digital learning programme. I coordinated and produced video content in collaboration with the Cancer Awareness team (funded by the Northern Cancer Alliance), wrote the full course script, and built the learning pathway within an online LMS. The result was an accessible, engaging resource that significantly extended the reach of key cancer awareness messages —...

Lead magnet
Healthy Lifestyle Resource Pack Development

I created the Healthworks Healthy Lifestyle Kit as a digital lead magnet to grow the organisation’s email audience and boost engagement. The free downloadable guide offered practical healthy-living tips aligned with Healthworks’ mission. Promoted across social media, the website and partner channels, it generated strong uptake — securing over 1,700 new email sign-ups and building a highly engaged audience for future health campaigns and service promotions.

https://youtu.be/X5CiGgsBHNE
NHS England
Coordinator & Host - NHS England Site Visit Film

I coordinated, hosted and managed the communications aspects of an official site visit by NHS England. This included aligning stakeholder messaging, organising filming logistics, facilitating the interview schedule, and ensuring the final video reflected the strategic priorities of both organisations. The film has been used across platforms to reinforce credibility, partnership strength and sector leadership.

Report shared with NHS England, local NHS and Local Authrority and Healthwatch England
Healthwatch Gateshead Enter and View Report

As part of my freelance work with Healthwatch Gateshead, I led a volunteer-run Enter and View programme to gather community insights on local health services. I analysed the findings and produced a clear, well-structured report that translated volunteer observations into practical recommendations for service improvement. This project demonstrates my ability to turn community feedback into actionable, evidence-based insights that support positive change.

B2B publication to promote workplace healthchecks
Workplace Health Check Brochure

I developed this B2B brochure for Healthworks’ Workplace Health Check service, translating the organisation’s community health expertise into a clear, compelling offer for employers. I led the copywriting, design and messaging, creating a professional, credible tone tailored to business audiences. The final brochure strengthened the service’s value proposition and supported new partnership and engagement opportunities.