A WELL-known charity and voluntary worker has opened her own consultancy to share her skills.

Karen Openshaw was most recently spearheading fundraising, engaging with local businesses and creating partnerships for the new Westhoughton Youth Project for Bolton Lads and Girls Club.

That successful campaign was just part of a diverse 20-year career that has seen her involved in several ground-breaking projects. These have varied from developing inter-faith courses at the University of Bolton and launching a church at Media City to working with Zac’s Youth Bar in Farnworth to promote and develop its work, creating a network and a patrons’ scheme and developing strategic plans.

Mrs Openshaw – married with two teenage daughters – is an expert in fundraising for charities, organising events, working in partnership with businesses, mentoring, networking and creating sustainability for charities, voluntary groups and churches.

“I make things happen, I connect people,” she explained. “If people have a need, because of my highly developed network of relationships, I usually know somebody who can meet that need.

“I have a pioneering spirit so I work really well from a blank canvas. If it’s a project which needs developing, an event which needs creating, a charity which needs to become sustainable or a business needing help to create a better culture – that’s what I do.”

Mrs Openshaw describes herself as “a mentor, a counsellor and a trainer”. She has a wide range of qualifications including a BA Hons degree in English and post-graduate qualifications in mentoring which give her the versatility and creativity to respond to community group, charity and business needs.

“I believe that, in order for the charity sector to become sustainable, working in partnership with businesses is key,” she added. “For companies, working with charities not only fulfils any corporate social responsibility and feels good but it will also help the business to grow.

“The publicity attached to working effectively with a charity raises the business profile and also gives access to people looking for employment. The benefits are mutual, and I can make these connections.”

For more information about the Karen Openshaw Consultancy go to www.karenopenshawconsultancy.co.uk