Name Katie Macdonald
Job Title Community & Engagement Coordinator
What is involved in your role?
My role is to engage with the local community both in person and online. I organise and support fundraising events within the charity and the wider community and ensure the charity has a regular presence and key involvement in events linked to local and social media campaigns. I also write the monthly letter for the charity (this one!) as well as articles and blogs for our website, local magazines and newspapers. You will often hear me on the radio promoting the charity, at a festival/event with the team or writing content for our social media.
What is your background?
Before having my son in 2013, I worked in the design industry designing swimwear for over 10 years which I thoroughly enjoyed. I have always enjoyed being creative whether that be in design or writing. I then left the industry and started a career as an Event Manager for a wedding venue. However, the hours didn’t really fit in around family life, so I left and pursued a part time career in PR. All of my previous jobs have taught me skills which I have been able to use in my current role at Kelly’s Heroes.
What motivates you?
Speaking to people who have lost a loved one to suicide and knowing that the work the charity does helps them enormously. Part of my role is to promote the charity so people know they can access support and this makes me want to work hard and do a good job so we can help and support as many people as possible.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
I absolutely love my job. It’s varied and I get to meet lots of different people whether that be when networking with other businesses, attending school assemblies or meeting families who have been bereaved. The role combines my love of being creative and planning events. No day is ever the same and whilst the role can sometimes be emotional, I am beyond proud to work with an amazing team who support those with mental health struggles.
If you could send a message out to the entire world, what would it be?
‘Believe in yourself’. I love this quote as there have been many times, I have thought to myself, ‘I
can’t do this’ but I truly believe that if you put your mind to it and believe that you can, you can
achieve anything.
This month’s random question: What fictional character would you most like to be friends with?
Homer Simpson! There would never be a dull day being his friend!
