Helen Oldfield

Helen Oldfield is a Communications and Media Consultant and a PR Coach, running her creative agency since 2008. Initially, Affinity PR served client in UK hospitality, international luxury travel and tourism industries. They included Starwood Hotels, Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort, Belle Grove Barns in Suffolk, Al Maha A Luxury Collection Desert Resort and Spa in Dubai, Woodhall Manor Hotel, Seckford Hall Hotel, Shadingfield Hall, Christmas Hall, Milsom Hotels & Restaurants, Aqua Eight, Mizu Noodle Bars, and Orient Restaurant (Chinatown, London).

In 2019, Helen decided to refocus Affinity PR so she could do more work with arts, culture, creative and performance industries, SME’s and VCSE/not-for-profit organisations. PR Coaching was added to the service mix a year later, providing one-to-one guidance and learning support for individuals who wanted to learn how to plan, deliver and measure their own PR and marketing campaigns.

Helen’s diverse portfolio of current/recent PR clients includes DanceEast, SPILL Festival, Primadonna Festival, poetry publisher Dizzy Press, New Wolsey Theatre, Colchester First Thursdays Festival, Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance, Harriet Adie Harpist, Disabled Artist Zoe Partington, Life Arts Mind Body Spirit Festival, Norfolk Community Advice Network and Norfolk Community Law Service. Helen is also an ongoing Associate (PR and PR Coaching) at Dance Services UK.

Born in Sheffield, raised in Suffolk and educated at Northumbria University (HND in Business & Finance with Graphic Design for Visual Communication, 1987-90), Helen’s PR career began in the Press Office at Tyne Theatre and Opera House, later at Northern Stage Company, progressing to become Assistant to Head of Press at Edinburgh International Festival.

Helen went on to work in London, in leadership, education and development roles at national not-for-profits Macmillan Cancer Support, Cancerlink and RNIB, where her focus was on campaigning and advocacy, information and advice, volunteering strategy and training, and community engagement. During her time at RNIB she was a Trustee of Camden Volunteer Bureau.

Returning to Suffolk in 2001 Helen became CEO of a regional Citizens Advice service, hired with a specific brief to digitally transform the organisation in preparation for new legal advice quality audits by the Lord Chancellor’s Department. Having achieved those goals, Helen returned to PR as a self-employed consultant in 2003.

In 2021 Helen became one of three founding co-Directors of Neurodelicious CIC, a pioneering bold performance movement of neurodivergent artists and creatives, making accessible shows that highlighted the brilliance and talents of neurodivergent professionals. Two shows were produced which toured across the East of England and at London’s Vault Festival in 2022-3.

When she isn’t working, Helen can usually be found volunteering at local arts festivals, in a quiet corner reading, or attending Northern Soul dances.

Helen was a joint recipient of The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2019, for Outstanding Service to the Community in recognition of her pro bono PR service since 2003. Affinity PR was awarded the Trading for Good Responsible Business Award in 2014.

Affinity PR Consultancy