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United Kingdom
Karen Bunston | Marketing, Writing & Communications
Chartered Marketer | 10+ years’ experience
I help businesses and organisations get clear on their message, seen by the right people, and focused on results.
Whether you need blog posts, web copy, SEO articles, product descriptions, social media content or marketing materials — I deliver smart, effective work that gets noticed and gets results.
Flexible Support, Whatever Your Size: From quick one-offs to ongoing support, I scale to fit your needs. No job too small, no jargon, no fluff. Just practical help that works.
Discounted rates available for charities and third sector organisations — because good comms shouldn’t be a luxury.
Outside of work, I’m a qualified dog trainer and proud poodle x bichon mum to Pablo and Pickle. I bring the same care and attention to my work as I do to my dogs.
Let’s make your message matter.
I created this Plain English guide to help staff, clients, and partners communicate more clearly and confidently. Designed as a practical tool, it supports accessible, jargon-free communication across all channels — making messages easier to understand and more inclusive for everyone.
Previously known as Amazing Start, this early years service needed a new identity to reflect its growth — and reconnect with the community. Recognition was low, despite the name change. I led the full rebrand, developing the Best Start name, logo, and visual identity to convey warmth, trust, and professionalism. This digital booklet formed part of the relaunch, showcasing the refreshed brand and engaging both families and professionals.
I created a practical Decision Aid to help staff support patients who smoke. It guides healthcare professionals through identifying smokers, offering brief advice, referring to the Tobacco Dependency Treatment Service, and prescribing the right Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT). The tool includes clear steps for inpatient and maternity teams, advice on safety (including drug interactions and pregnancy), and helps ensure consistent, safe, and effective support for patients trying to quit...
I created this series of Seasonal Family Books as part of a wider strategy to boost reach and engagement across Healthworks’ digital channels. Each edition is designed to offer practical, family-friendly ideas and resources linked to health, wellbeing, and seasonal activities — supporting community engagement beyond in-person services. The digital format makes the content easy to share, accessible on any device, and ideal for driving interaction on social media and email campaigns.
I created The Blue Dog Blog as a space for dog lovers who want real, reliable information from. As a qualified dog trainer and committed dog parent, I use the blog to share practical training advice, health and care tips, product reviews, and personal stories. It’s a mix of professional insight and personal experience, written in a down-to-earth style that’s all about helping readers give their dogs the best life possible. The Blue Dog Blog offers honest content, expert tips, and a...
Healthworks needed more than just a traditional annual report - they wanted a communications tool that showcased their real-world impact, not just activities and numbers. I developed and delivered a new approach: a digital-first, story-driven Impact Report focused on outcomes, community voices, and accessible design.
As part of the Research and Innovation in Health – A Collaborative Approach event, I delivered the full communications plan — from messaging and visual identity to digital and print assets. I also created this digital flipbook, replicating A1 poster boards used at the event, to promote opportunities for partnering with Healthworks on research projects and unlocking future funding.
To grow Healthworks’ email subscriber list and strengthen its email marketing function, I developed a compelling lead magnet. This resource offered practical, accessible tips on nutrition, exercise, sleep, and mental wellbeing—aligned with Healthworks’ mission to support healthier communities. Alongside the guide, I designed a targeted digital newsletter flow to nurture new subscribers. This included an aoutomated welcome sequence introducing Healthworks’ services, regular health tips, and...
To support client growth and engagement for Blue Dog Canine Services, I created this lead magnet. This practical, easy-to-follow guide was designed to attract dog owners looking for help with their dog's behaviour training. I built an automated email sequence to welcome new subscribers, provide additional value with training tips, and introduce Blue Dog’s services. I also developed a branded digital newsletter to share expert advice, client success stories, and promote upcoming classes or...
I drafted a detailed funding proposal for RSPCA Woodside to support a new community outreach project aimed at promoting responsible pet ownership and improving animal welfare in underserved areas. The proposal outlined project objectives, target outcomes, budget requirements, and alignment with the funder's priorities. It was designed to secure grant funding and build long-term community impact through education, engagement, and support services.
As a freelance Programme Manager for Healthwatch Gateshead, I planned and led an Enter and View visits to assess the quality of care and patient experience within a local health or social care setting. I conducted staff and resident interviews, gathered observational insights, and ensured the visit met all statutory guidelines. Following the visit, I produced a detailed, evidence-based report outlining key findings, areas of good practice, and recommendations for improvement. The report...
I developed a promotional brochure showcasing Newcastle as a vibrant, welcoming city for visitors. The brochure highlighted key attractions, cultural hotspots, local events, and hidden gems—designed to appeal to a wide audience including tourists, event planners, and day-trippers. I crafted clear, engaging copy and coordinated visuals to reflect the city’s unique character and appeal. The final product served as both an informative guide and a marketing tool to boost tourism and civic pride.
I use digital platforms like Mailchimp, Sender, and MailerLite to create and manage targeted email campaigns that build engagement and trust with subscribers. This includes designing automated welcome sequences, segmented campaigns, and regular newsletters tailored to audience interests and behaviours. By combining strong copy, clean design, and data insights, I nurture relationships with email lists—whether promoting services, sharing valuable content, or driving action. My approach...
I developed a series of short YouTube videos under the "Take a Minute" campaign to raise awareness of common UK cancers, including bowel, breast, lung, and prostate cancer. Each video delivers key health messages in under 60 seconds—encouraging early detection, symptom awareness, and timely GP visits. Designed for use in GP surgeries, community venues, and healthcare settings across the region, the videos are accessible, engaging, and tailored to local audiences. The campaign supports...
I developed a detailed case study and customer story to showcase the real-world impact of Blue Dog Canine Services. The project highlighted a client’s journey—from behavioural challenges with their dog to positive transformation through professional training and support. Through clear storytelling, direct quotes, and measurable outcomes, the piece built credibility, demonstrated the value of Blue Dog’s services, and created a strong emotional connection with prospective clients. It was...
I optimised a webpage as part of my role as a Butternut Box brand ambassador to improve visibility and drive organic traffic. Using keyword research tools, I identified high-impact search terms relevant to natural dog food and pet owner queries. I then strategically incorporated these keywords into the page’s headings, metadata, and content—ensuring clarity, relevance, and readability. As a result, the page ranks on the first page of Google’s organic search results for key terms, boosting...
I authored a blog post for Healthworks titled "Why Reducing Health Inequalities Is a Moral Duty, Not an Election Gimmick." This piece explores the deep-rooted causes of health disparities in the UK and argues for sustained, community-led action beyond political cycles. It reflects Healthworks’ mission to promote health equity and empower underserved communities.
I developed the Cancer Conversations online course to raise awareness of the common signs, symptoms, and risk factors of cancer. Designed for free access, the course supports individuals and organisations across the North East in delivering key cancer awareness messages. Hosted on Thinkific, the course features accessible, evidence-based content to encourage early detection, reduce stigma, and promote healthier lifestyle choices. It has been rolled out to a range of community groups,...