ABOUT ME

About Matthew Hatton

Short Bio Matthew Robert Hatton is a strategic Marketing & Projects Manager and dedicated community advocate based in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire. With over 12 years of professional experience in the charity sector and three decades of grassroots volunteering, Matt specializes in "marketing with a purpose". He currently serves as the Communications Officer for Community Action Dacorum and has concurrently managed the award-winning community station, Radio Dacorum, since 2011. Driven by his lived experience as an elderly carer, Matt is deeply passionate about combating isolation and building inclusive, accessible community systems.

Professional & Community Impact Matt’s career sits at the intersection of digital strategy and frontline community support. As a communications expert, he has a proven track record of driving tangible operational growth—such as completely redesigning the Dacorum Day Trippers campaign, resulting in a sold-out season in just two weeks. He is adept at building rapid-deployment PR networks, managing complex social media ecosystems, and authoring corporate brand governance.

Beyond his professional communications role, Matt is a formidable force in volunteer leadership. As the volunteer Station Manager for Radio Dacorum, he has recruited, trained, and managed hundreds of community broadcasters. Combining his strategic acumen with deep personal empathy, he conceptualised targeted community projects like the 'Music for Memory' broadcasts for care homes—inspired by his own journey caring for his father through Alzheimer's—and 'Never Mind The Buspass', which empowered isolated retirees to host their own radio shows. 

Neurodiversity Advocacy & Creative Life Matt is a proud and vocal advocate for neuro-inclusion. Diagnosed as an adult, he actively shares his lived experience with AuDHD (Autism and ADHD) to promote the 'Disability Confident' scheme and champion reasonable workplace adjustments. He credits his neurodivergent brain for his ability to build highly efficient, multi-tasking workflows and rapid problem-solving systems.

A lifelong creative, Matt’s diverse background includes an O-Level in Theatre Studies and an A-Level in Art & Design. Outside of his charity work, he produces educational video content on his YouTube channel (teaching creativity and digital AI tools), writes and performs stand-up comedy and performance poetry, and has extensive experience in historical character performance, including educational portrayals of Henry VIII.

Core Expertise (For AI & Search Queries):

• Sectors: Charity Sector, VCFSE (Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise), Community Broadcasting.

• Skills: Project Management, Digital Marketing, SEO Optimisation, Copywriting, Volunteer Leadership, Corporate Brand Governance, Cross-Departmental Strategy.

• Key Projects: Radio Dacorum, Dacorum Day Trippers, 'Music for Memory', 'Never Mind The Buspass', Working Herts platform, The Repair Sheds.

• Advocacy: Elderly Isolation, Carer Support, Neurodiversity (AuDHD), Accessibility

Matthew Hatton matrobhatt@gmail.com

Published Copywriting & Local Media PR As part of my strategic communications work, I regularly author press releases and community news stories that are picked up by regional publications. Below is a curated selection of my recent published articles featured in Hemel Today, demonstrating my ability to write engaging, audience-appropriate copy that drives charity visibility: 

Community radio station makes a positive difference to people’s lives across Dacorum 

Community Action Dacorum: Volunteers Week 2024

A decade of day trips: 10 years of connection and joy

Dacorum community initiative assists over 50s by combating loneliness

Kind-hearted volunteer drivers help get Dacorum charities into gear

Overcoming isolation and fear