Blogs

This is where I share thoughts, experiences, and practical insights from my work as a communications consultant supporting charities and purpose-led organisations. From hands-on tips and lessons learned to honest reflections on freelance life, these posts are all rooted in one belief: important work deserves to be heard.

You’ll find ideas to help strengthen charity communications, make messaging clearer and more confident, and support organisations to share their impact with care and purpose.

I Quit Stability to Freelance for Charities — Here’s How It’s Going
Kelly Hodgson Kelly Hodgson

I Quit Stability to Freelance for Charities — Here’s How It’s Going

Four months after leaving a stable role to freelance in the charity sector, I’m reflecting on the reality of self-employment — the uncertainty, imposter syndrome, unexpected opportunities and lessons in self-trust along the way. From navigating pricing conversations and finding the right clients, to rediscovering creativity, community and a more sustainable way of working, this is an honest look at what freelancing has really been like so far.

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Sociology Never Left the Room: What My Degree Taught Me About Charity Communications
Kelly Hodgson Kelly Hodgson

Sociology Never Left the Room: What My Degree Taught Me About Charity Communications

A catch-up with an old colleague sparked an unexpected realisation: sociology never really left my career. In this reflective piece, I explore how studying people, power and collective behaviour quietly shaped my approach to charity communications — from storytelling and authenticity to media narratives, trust and community. Turns out sociology didn’t disappear after university; it just put on a lanyard and started working in the charity sector.

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What Can We Learn From Mr. Bean About Good Communication?
Kelly Hodgson Kelly Hodgson

What Can We Learn From Mr. Bean About Good Communication?

What can Mr Bean possibly teach us about good communication? More than you might think. Watching the cartoon with my children, it struck me how little he says, yet how clearly his message lands. In a sector where messaging can easily become overcomplicated, there’s something powerful in that simplicity. This piece explores what charities can learn from saying less, showing more, and focusing on what really matters.

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Knowing vs Doing: Getting Your Communication Strategy Moving
Kelly Hodgson Kelly Hodgson

Knowing vs Doing: Getting Your Communication Strategy Moving

Most communication strategies don’t fail because of a lack of ideas, they fail because they’re not built for real life.

In this blog, I explore the gap between knowing what you should be doing and actually doing it, and why so many strategies end up sitting in folders instead of driving action. If you’re a charity or purpose-led organisation working with limited time and resources, this is about getting clear, being realistic, and creating an approach that actually works for you.

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Life is a rollercoaster baby…
Kelly Hodgson Kelly Hodgson

Life is a rollercoaster baby…

A weekend of doubt, a shift in mindset, and a week full of unexpected wins; an honest reflection on the ups and downs of going it alone, and the power of being kinder to yourself along the way.

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Why Ethical Communications Matter More Than Ever in the Voluntary Sector
Kelly Hodgson Kelly Hodgson

Why Ethical Communications Matter More Than Ever in the Voluntary Sector

After watching a documentary exploring the rise of the “manosphere”, I found myself reflecting on the power of communications. These voices aren’t hidden away in obscure corners of the internet anymore; they’re reaching millions. In that context, the role of the voluntary sector in sharing authentic stories of compassion, community and real change feels more important than ever.

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Keen as Mustard: First Month of Self Employment
Kelly Hodgson Kelly Hodgson

Keen as Mustard: First Month of Self Employment

One month in as a charity communications freelancer, and I’m still keen as mustard. This short blog shares my top tips for getting started, and introduces some brilliant people who’ve supported me along the way.

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Clarity is Key: Why Purpose‑Led Organisations Need a Communication Strategy
Kelly Hodgson Kelly Hodgson

Clarity is Key: Why Purpose‑Led Organisations Need a Communication Strategy

Clarity in communications doesn’t come from doing more, it comes from creating space to think. In this personal reflection, I explore why purpose-led organisations often struggle to be heard, and how a clear, realistic communication strategy can help bring focus, confidence and impact, even when capacity is limited.

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Three Days Freelance: What I’ve Learned So Far
Kelly Hodgson Kelly Hodgson

Three Days Freelance: What I’ve Learned So Far

Three days into freelance life, I’m already learning a lot about letting go of old habits, balancing delivery with building a business, and trusting myself to set the pace. This short reflection captures what’s surprised me most so far, and why this new chapter already feels right.

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