A former news chief who moved into public relations five years ago is offering free help to journalists facing redundancy after publisher Reach plc announced 320 editorial job cuts.

Julie Palmer was senior editor at Reach’s Herts and Essex Newspapers division and executive editor at the Cambridge News before leaving in 2018.

Now she and her colleagues at Hertfordshire PR agency Strand PR are offering a free workshop to journalists thinking of moving into the sector to show how their skills can be transferred.

The agency, based in Royston, says it wants to show journalists there is “life after Reach.”

Managing director Laura Pearce said: “PR is often viewed as ‘the dark side’ by journalists, but we have team members who have successfully made the switch from newspapers, TV and digital media to forge successful careers, using their experience and skillset in a different arena.

“It is shocking to see just how many editorial staff have lost their jobs and dream careers over the past year, and we want to show them there is life after Reach.”

Added Julie, pictured: “When I was becoming disillusioned with newspapers and the general direction of travel, I struggled to see which sector I could move into.

“Local press was all I had known and I can understand why some of those being made redundant are probably feeling the same way.

“It took me a while to realise that I had transferable skills that were relevant away from newspapers.

“Now I am enjoying a fantastic second career continuing to do what I love – writing, editing and thinking creatively.”

The two-hour workshop for journalists to illustrate how their abilities can be used in a PR environment will be hosted on Teams on Thursday, January 11.

Those interested in joining should contact [email protected].