From Crisis Comms to Care: A Story of Resilience – with Dee Cowburn

The most valuable insights in PR don’t come from quick hacks – they come from stories that make you think. And then think again.

Dee Cowburn does just that. A journalist turned comms pro, Dee worked for the West Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner, where she was on the front line of some high-pressure stories. From the murder of MP Jo Cox to cases of child neglect, she talks about tackling tough issues head-on, both professionally and personally.

Dee also shares her experience of parenting a child with a rare, life-limiting condition –and how that, alongside a demanding comms role, led her to pivot towards launching her own consultancy.

It’s a powerful, moving conversation. It makes you think about resilience, health and wellbeing and what really matters in life.

Journalism to Comms: Bring the Skills With You

Dee’s journey from the newsroom to the world of comms is a familiar one. The skills and sense of what makes a good story forged in journalism are great foundations for a career in comms. As a reporter, you get used to asking the right questions, spotting the public interest, and cutting through noise with clarity. These skills are just as essential in comms, particularly in a fast-paced, reactive crisis comms environment.

You don’t always need a media background to thrive in PR, but in some environments, they are more than useful. Developing a journalistic approach will serve you well and give you the tools to make your messaging resonate.

Why Honesty Beats Spin

Honesty sits at the heart of great public sector comms. If something goes wrong, the public might forgive you if your message isn’t exactly polished, but they do expect the truth.

In crisis situations, clear, transparent, and empathetic messaging is what builds public trust. This is what ultimately builds trust with the public in the long run, not a successful spin campaign.

Pressure Rewrites Priorities

Dee speaks candidly about how her daughter’s Rett syndrome diagnosis reshaped everything. There wasn’t one dramatic turning point, but a slow, steady realisation that business as usual no longer worked. Juggling 24-hour care with a rigid 9-to-5 wasn’t sustainable.

Dee’s story is uplifting and moving, but you don’t have to wait for something as impactful as a Rett syndrome diagnosis to ask honest questions about your work-life balance and your priorities.

With Dee now fronting her own crisis comms consultancy and being in charge of her own hours, it shows that whatever personal challenges you’re going through, big or small, it’s still possible to find a balance that works for you and to have a rewarding career.

Mental Health is More Than a Buzzword

There’s a lot of talk about mental health in the comms world, but the conversation often feels surface-level. For Dee, this isn’t theory – it’s lived reality. In a sector where constant crisis mode is normalised and “always on” is the default, the cost of ignoring your limits is real. Without it, you risk serious burnout. Be kind to yourself is her mantra — maybe it’s one we should all live by.