About
AW Communications was founded in March 2007 by award-winning journalist and PR professional Alison Watkins. With extensive knowledge and experience of the health sector, she’s implemented a number of high profile public relations campaigns for clients including Public Health Wales, the Bevan Commission, Welsh Government, Welsh NHS Confederation, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, Powys Teaching Health Board, Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, 1000 Lives Improvement, Life Sciences Hub Wales and Tai Tarian. She also works with a variety of clients across Wales’ public, private and charity sector, including actor and activist Michael Sheen, comedian Chris Corcoran, rugby star Gareth Thomas, Brand Lab Fashion and Wales Air Ambulance.
Having worked in the field of media and communications for more than 20 years, Alison knows how to deliver successful media relations work and training, public relations campaigns and communication strategies. Writing is her thing and she’s turned her hand to a broad range of media, including newspapers, magazines, blogs, annual reports, newsletters, journals, public engagement documents, social media and websites.
A member of the CIPR (Chartered Institute of Public Relations) and an Accredited PR Practitioner, her company has achieved success at the CIPR Cymru Pride Awards including three Gold Awards, one Silver and a finalist in the 2018 Awards in the Not for Profit Campaign category. Alison’s career began at the South Wales Argus where she won three journalism awards, including Welsh Journalist of the Year. Later she took the post of health correspondent at the Western Mail and was awarded Journalist of the Year by the Royal College of Nursing. It was in 2001 that Alison moved into public relations, where she took up the post of head of communications for the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust. She also spent time providing communication support to the Welsh Assembly Government, helping to write the communications strategy for the Review of Health and Social Care for Wales and providing media advice to the health minister.
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“Always a joy. Alison's insightful contribution to the Bevan Commission's work has helped move forward our communications and publicity, has grown our social media presence, and enhanced our position as the leading thinking tank and authority on health and health related matters in Wales. Alison’s great strength is her breadth and depth of experience. Whether it’s guiding strategy, running conferences, delivering training, supporting staff, or drafting press releases I’ve always been able to rely on Alison.”
Sion Charles, Deputy Director. Bevan Commission