My first few months at COCO

My name’s Freya and I started as the new Fundraising Officer at COCO back in October. I’ve worked in fundraising for the past four years, previously for a domestic abuse charity based in Brighton. After moving to the North East, I was really keen for my new role to be in a charity that held similarly community-led beliefs, that would make a tangible difference to marginalised communities, and incorporate my particular interests for gender equality, international development, and sustainability. COCO totally met my criteria and more, and I’ve loved it all so far.

I can’t quite believe it, but I have now been at COCO for three months- where does the time go?! It’s been a total whirlwind, but it’s been great to jump in head first and get properly stuck in. So far, I’ve attended four networking events (including going to the top of the BALTIC Gallery for an exclusive ladies networking event, and to Newcastle Cathedral itself!) completed a marketing training course, travelled to Durham to see off the amazing DUCK society on their Jailbreak challenge, and helped to organise our annual COCO Ball and Wine Tasting Events, both of which were great successes! After a year and a half of fully remote working, it’s been amazing to get back into the thick of it and make new connections, help organise new (to me!) events, and of course actually met my new team face to face.

As well as dashing around Newcastle and the wider North-East, I’ve also been able to do a range of things from my desk. Most of the tasks have been to do with our fantastic events, such as sending invitations; sourcing prizes; and even a menu tasting! I’m loving how varied the role has been even in the first few months, which I think is a good sign for the weeks and months to come 😊

If anyone wants to pop me a message with any new and exciting ways they’d like to fundraise for COCO, please just drop me an email at freya@coco.org.uk – I’d love to hear from you!