Our Mission
Removing barriers and creating opportunity
To reduce barriers facing children and families by creating inclusive programmes, practical support and meaningful opportunities to learn, grow and be heard.
Our Story
Change begins by listening
Children With Voices grew from a simple but powerful belief: lasting change happens when we listen to children and work alongside communities, not above them.
Founded by Michelle Dornelly, the organisation responds to the challenges children and families experience in everyday life. Our work brings together practical support, creative programmes, mentoring, food provision and community connection.
We do more than deliver individual services. We create spaces where children feel safe to express themselves, families can access support with dignity, and communities are encouraged to shape the solutions that affect them.
Why We Exist
Our mission and vision
Our work is shaped by the experiences, strengths and ambitions of the children and families around us.
Our Vision
A future where every child can thrive
A future where every child has the support, confidence and opportunity to thrive, regardless of their circumstances, needs or background.
Our Approach
From listening to lasting change
We build our work around local insight, trusted relationships and practical action.
We Listen
Children, families and community members help us understand what support is needed and what meaningful change looks like.
We Connect
We bring together schools, volunteers, residents, community groups and organisations committed to children and families.
We Act
We turn local insight into practical programmes, safe spaces, food support, mentoring and opportunities for participation.
We Learn
We listen to feedback, reflect on what is working and continue adapting our services around the people who use them.
Our Values
What guides our work
These values shape how we listen, collaborate, make decisions and support our communities.
Every Child Deserves a Voice
We do not simply talk about children—we listen to them. Their experiences, ideas and ambitions help shape our programmes and priorities.
Food Support With Dignity
Access to nutritious food is fundamental. We support children and families without judgement while helping communities build greater resilience.
Community Is Our Superpower
Lasting change grows through trusted relationships. We work with residents, schools, families and local organisations to strengthen communities.
Inclusion Is Non-Negotiable
We champion children with special educational needs and disabilities, neurodivergent children and families who may experience barriers to support.
Play and Creativity Matter
Safe play, creativity and movement help children build confidence, relationships, wellbeing and a lasting sense of belonging.
What We Do
Practical support. Inclusive programmes. Stronger communities.
Our work responds to different parts of children’s and families’ lives—from food security and school support to play, mentoring, leadership and SEND provision.
School Collaborations
We work with schools to understand local challenges, support families and create opportunities that complement children’s education and wellbeing.
Jumping Beans
A safe, welcoming programme where children can play, create, build confidence, enjoy healthy food and feel heard.
Community Food Hub
Practical food support delivered with dignity, alongside opportunities for advice, volunteering and stronger community connection.
Young Ambassadors Programme
Young people develop leadership skills, contribute ideas, support campaigns and take an active role in decisions affecting their communities.
SEND and WeAMTV
Personalised activities and mentoring designed around each child’s strengths, interests and individual support needs.
Family and Community Connection
Workshops, events and shared activities bring families together, strengthen relationships and help people find available support.
Our Founder
Meet Michelle Dornelly
Founder and CEO of Children With Voices
Michelle Dornelly founded Children With Voices to create meaningful, community-led change for children and families in Hackney and beyond.
Her leadership is grounded in lived experience, grassroots action and a commitment to listening. By bringing together families, schools, volunteers and community organisations, Michelle has helped develop practical programmes that respond directly to local needs.
Her approach recognises that communities already hold knowledge, experience and strength. Children With Voices exists to help turn that strength into opportunity, support and lasting change.