Our Story
Who We Are
What started as a response to growing inequality in our community has evolved into a powerful movement for change. Founded by Michelle Dornelly, Children With Voices appeared from a simple but profound belief: that real transformation happens when we listen to children and work alongside communities, not above them.
Today, we are proud to have supported over 100,000 families and distributed more than 300,000 meals through our innovative programmes. But our impact goes far beyond numbers—we are building a legacy of inclusion, empowerment, and hope.
Meet Our Founder & CEO Michelle Dornelly
Award-Winning Social Innovator, Pride of Britain Winner, Community Leader, Advocate for Youth
Empowerment & Food Justice
Michelle Dornelly is a dynamic and inspiring leader who has dedicated her life to creating real, lasting change for families and children in Hackney and beyond. Founder of Children With Voices, a youth and family-focused charity launched in 2010, and The Community Food Hub, which began during the COVID-19 pandemic, Michelle has transformed community care in one of London’s most economically challenged boroughs. Despite being a full-time unpaid volunteer and mother of four—including children with ADHD, ASD, Sickle Cell, and anxiety—Michelle has led efforts that have fed over 300,000 people, mentored hundreds of youth, and created safe spaces for parents and children to thrive. Her approach blends grassroots action, lived experience, and bold advocacy.
Our Values in Action
Founded in Hackney, our mission is to create a world where underprivileged children and families have the same opportunities as others. We have supported over 100,000 families through various initiatives, including combating holiday hunger and promoting healthy living. Our Community Food Hub has been instrumental in providing essential support to the elderly, homeless, and families in need.
We are proud to work alongside organisations that share our values:
– The Felix Project – Food rescue and redistribution – FareShare – Surplus food redistribution
– Hackney Council – Local government partnership – Local schools and community centres – Grassroots collaboration
Every Child Deserves a Voice
We do not just talk about children—we listen to them. Their insights, dreams, and concerns drive our programmes and inform our advocacy.
Food is a Basic Human Right
We tackle food insecurity with dignity and respect, ensuring no child goes hungry while building long-term food system resilience.
Community is Our Superpower
Real change comes from within. We work with our neighbours, sharing skills, building trust, and creating intergenerational strength.
Inclusion is Non-Negotiable
We champion children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and neurodiverse families, ensuring everyone has access to care, education, and joy.
Play is Essential to Children
Safe play, creativity, and movement are not luxuries—they are fundamental to childhood development and breaking cycles of disadvantage.
Our Vision Looking Forward
Our vision extends beyond addressing immediate needs.Â
We’re building sustainable systems of support, creating spaces where children’s voices are amplified, and advocating for policy changes that address root causes of inequality.
We envision permanent, inclusive spaces for our programmes, equitable funding for grassroots services, and a radical rethink of how society values community care.
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What We Do
School Collaboration
a powerful opportunity for primary schools to collaborate in addressing the pressing challenges that children and families face today.
Jumping Beans Programme
Our Jumping Beans programme is not just childcare - it's a place where children can be safe, creative, and heard.
Community Food Hub
Since 2019, we have fed over 300,000 people and distributed more than 500,000 items. But numbers don't tell the full story.
Young Ambassadors
Through our Young Ambassadors programme, children don't just learn about leadership - they practice it.
WEMTV SEND Service
We provide personalised mentoring sessions that focus on each child's individual needs, disabilities, and requirements.
We Build Bridges
Our parent workshops and community events don't just share information - they weave the social fabric that makes communities strong.
Our Achievements
Awards & Recognition
With over six years of dedicated service in delivering ongoing community support and positively impacting countless lives, Children With Voices has garnered national recognition for its outstanding contributions. Through unwavering commitment and transformative initiatives, the organisation has established itself as a beacon of hope and a catalyst for meaningful change within the communities it serves.
- The King's Garden Party (2025)
Invited to the Kings Garden Party for professional approach to working in education and skills, 14th May 2025.
- Pride of Britain Award (2022)
 TSB Community Hero – Pride of Britain 2022
- Prime Minister’s Points of Light Award
Prime Minister’s Points of Light Award
- Inspirational Woman of the Year (2022)
Award for Inspirational Woman of the Year Awarded to Michelle Dornelly.
- Â Mayor of Hackney Civic Award
Mayor of Hackney Civic Award
- Sanctuary Group Well Being Award (2017)
Sanctuary Group Wellbeing Award (2017)
-Â Sanctuary Inspirational Tenant of the Year
Sanctuary Inspirational Tenant of the Year AwardÂ
- Family Mosaic Inspirational Tenant Award
Sanctuary Inspirational Tenant of the Year AwardÂ
- Multiple community service awards for outstanding dedication
Awarded a well-being award by Sanctuary Housing 2017.
Get Involved
Ready to join the Children With Voices movement? We would love to hear from you.
- Vounteer
Join our team of dedicated volunteers. Whether you have an hour a week or a day a month, your contribution makes a difference.
- Donate
Every donation directly supports children and families in our community. From fresh food to educational materials, your generosity creates immediate impact.
- Advocate
Share our story, support our campaigns, and help amplify children’s voices in your networks and communities.
- Partner
If you are a business, organisation, or funder who shares our values, let’s explore how we can work together to create lasting change.