April 11, 2023 
Share This PostWhen it comes to online safety and social media in the charity sector we are lucky to work with some of the best in the business. They work incredibly hard and it often goes unnoticed. Not today! Read on for some uplifting advice and inspiration from 6 women leading the way for the charities they work for, and helping to keep the internet safer for all of us.
Poppy Stalker - Comic Relief
Poppy has been working in social media for more than 6 years. She is currently the Social Media and Content Manager for Comic Relief.
Who or what inspires you?
My mum is my biggest inspiration. She has always worked incredibly hard, in roles that focus on caring for other people, for example, palliative nursing, and the mental health sector. My mum is the most compassionate, strongest person I know, and has shown me there’s strength in kindness.
What do you love about the work you do?
It’s creative, strategic and fast moving. No day is ever the same and I’m always on my toes. But, I’m also working in a sector that’s making a difference to people, and that is really important to me. And, it’s cliché but the people. The people are all so kind, caring and dedicated and that really makes being at work that bit better.
Favourite piece of advice
Fake it till you make it. I realised a few years ago that most people (no one) knows exactly what they’re doing, and we’re all here slightly pretending…but walking in with confidence, speaking with confidence, and believing in yourself makes a huge difference to how others view you.
Melissa Skinner - NDCS
Melissa has been working in digital media for over a decade. She is a registered Sign Language Interpreter in BSL and currently works as Social Media Manager for NDCS.
Who or what inspires you?
My family is what drives me, what gets me up in the morning and what keeps me going. However my inspiration in work is the young people we work with. It’s so inspiring and motivational to see deaf young people so confident and engaged, meeting politicians and making positive change on a daily basis. It makes me want to work harder to achieve even more!
What do you love about the work you do?
I love the variety of social media, and that I have the opportunity to talk to and engage with such a diverse range of people. It makes my job very interesting and no day is the same! Also, social media changes almost on a daily basis so it’s exciting not knowing exactly which direction our social media campaigns are going to go.
Favourite piece of advice
The best piece of advice I was given is to focus on what you can control, and not to worry over things you can’t control. There will always be something that comes up you could never plan for or anticipate, so be in the moment and focus on what you can control.
Seaneen Molloy - Sue Ryder
Seaneen is a digital communications specialist, blogger, activist and podcast host based in Belfast. She is known for her work in mental health advocacy and is currently the Digital Services Manager in Online Community for Sue Ryder.
What do you love about the work you do?
I love seeing the impact of the support members give each other. I manage a bereavement community, and our members are going through some of the most painful times of their lives. Grief can be such an isolating experience, and it can be so powerful to hear someone say, “I understand, I have been there too”. I’m glad to play a role in facilitating that kind of connection and helping our community to be as safe and supportive as it can be.
Rosie Chadwick - Blue Cross
Rosie is a social media and digital communications professional with over 12 years of experience in the field. She is currently the Digital Engagement Manager for Blue Cross for Pets.
What do you love about the work you do?
What I love about my job is that when it comes to social media, no two days are the same – one day we’re finding a new home for a pet, the next we’re reacting to a new animal policy, it’s fast-paced and ever changing, but knowing that the work that we do can make a difference to real lives and real pets is really something special. Plus I get to combine my love of social media with my love for animals and that is a dream come true
Caroline Dolan - Blue Cross
Caroline has been working in social media and digital communications for over 4 years. She is currently the Social Media & Communications Officer for Blue Cross for Pets.
What do you love about the work you do?
One of the parts of my job I love the most is to use our social reach to help find homes for pets that have been with us for a long time or ones that have been otherwise overlooked. You can always rely on our wonderful supporters to share our content far and wide. And there’s always someone out there for every pet! Knowing we’ve helped to connect that pet to a potential new family and found a pet a loving new home is hugely rewarding.
Kelly O'Hanlon - Help for Heroes
Kelly is an experienced digital marketing professional who specialises in delivering engaging social media marketing campaigns. She has been with Help for Heroes for 4 years and is currently their Social Media Manager.
Who or what inspires you?
My work inspires me. I have been at Help for Heroes for 4.5 years and each year I am continually inspired and in awe of those we support and those who I work with. Last year I was lucky to attend the Invictus Games in The Hague with Team UK. Each and every participant at the Games inspired me in so many ways. I really took home the true meaning of strength and resilience. It will be a week that will remain with me for the rest of my life.
My Mum. I have a very close relationship with my Mum, I am not quite sure where I would be without her. And from a young age, she always told me to believe in myself and just ‘go for it!’ Whenever there was a time where I felt unsure or lacking confidence in myself, my Mum would be there rooting for me and inspiring me to keep going and know that I can achieve anything I put my mind too.
What do you love about the work you do?
Our roles at Help for Heroes are far more than just jobs. We contribute to changing lives and there is no better feeling than that. Nothing compares to knowing that by the end of your working day or week, you might have just helped saved someone’s life or made them smile again. Working as the Social Media Manager at Help for Heroes is a fast paced role but I love it. I get to engage with our supporters, volunteers and the Armed Forces Community we support. Little old me gets to contribute to making a difference in society and that is priceless.
Everyone at Help for Heroes goes above and beyond their roles. We love what we do and care so much for the Armed Forces community. There is no better place to work than Help for Heroes. It’s truly inspiring.
Favourite piece of advice
More like a favourite inspirational quote, from the legend that is Audrey Hepburn…
“Nothing is impossible. The word itself says ‘I’m possible!”