Join us for the first Aberdeen Third Sector Communications and Media Network session of 2026, with Craig Walker, Editor of The Press and Journal and Evening Express, and Ben Hendry, City and Shire Team Leader at The Press and Journal. The forum is open to anyone working in Aberdeen’s third sector who supports communications, storytelling, media, marketing or social media within their organisation, with the aim of this becoming a regular network for people in similar roles to connect and share ideas.
This relaxed afternoon event will bring together people working in – or supporting – communications, media, storytelling and social media across Aberdeen’s third sector.
It’s an opportunity to hear directly from senior journalists working in local media, pick up practical tips on sharing your organisation’s stories with the press, and connect with others doing similar work across charities, community groups and voluntary organisations in the city.
**Booking note
Please note we are limiting bookings to a maximum of two people per organisation to allow as many organisations as possible to take part.
Guest Speakers: Craig Walker and Ben Hendry
Craig Walker – Editor, The Press and Journal and Evening Express
We’re pleased to welcome Craig Walker, Editor of The Press and Journal and Evening Express, who leads the editorial direction of both titles across Aberdeen and the North East.
Craig has spent two decades working in the Aberdeen newsroom and previously served as editor of the Evening Express before taking on his current role overseeing both publications. His work focuses on ensuring strong local journalism continues to serve communities across the region while developing the titles across both print and digital platforms.
Ben Hendry – City and Shire Team Leader, The Press and Journal
Joining Craig will be Ben Hendry, City and Shire Team Leader at The Press and Journal, who leads coverage of Aberdeen and the North East.
Ben reports on everything from major council decisions and regeneration projects to the stories shaping communities and the people who live and work here. Over the course of his career with DC Thomson he has worked as a trainee reporter in Moray, senior reporter in Aberdeen and assistant news editor before taking on his current leadership role.
During the session, Craig and Ben will share insights into how local media engages with communities, including practical tips on:
• Pitching stories to journalists
• What makes a story stand out
• How third sector organisations can better engage with local press
There will also be a short Q&A, giving attendees the opportunity to ask questions and gain valuable insight from inside the newsroom.
Meet and Connect
Alongside the talk, there will be time to meet and network with others working in communications across Aberdeen’s third sector.
Whether you manage social media channels, write press releases, support fundraising storytelling, or help share your organisation’s work online, this is a great opportunity to exchange ideas, learn from others and build useful connections.
This event is also the first in a series of Communications and Media Network sessions planned for 2026, so it’s a great chance to get involved from the start.
About the Network
Hosted by ACVO, Aberdeen’s Third Sector Interface, the Aberdeen Third Sector Communications and Media Network brings together people working in communications, media, marketing and digital roles across the local third sector.
The network provides a space where colleagues can learn from guest speakers, share ideas and connect, helping organisations to work more collaboratively to amplify the stories of Aberdeen’s communities.
The forum is open to anyone working in Aberdeen’s third sector who supports communications, storytelling, media, marketing or social media within their organisation – whether that’s a dedicated communications role or part of a wider job such as fundraising, development or project work.
If you have any questions about the event or the Aberdeen Third Sector Communications and Media Network, please contact Andrew Davidson, Communications Officer at ACVO, at andrew.davidson@acvo.org.uk
