Pride of Britain Winner | Award-Winning Social Innovator | Community Leader | Advocate
for SEND Families | Food Justice Campaigner Michelle Dornelly is a powerful voice for social change, a grassroots community champion, and a multi-award-winning leader known for creating impact where it’s needed most. Based in Hackney, East London, Michelle is the Founder and CEO of Children With Voices and The Community Food Hub, organisations built on lived experience, compassion, and a fierce dedication to helping families and young people overcome systemic hardship.Since founding Children With Voices in 2010 as a parent-led initiative to fight gang violence, childhood obesity and holiday hunger, Michelle has gone on to change the lives of thousands. Her work provides safe, nurturing spaces for children and teens, combining mentorship, life skills, emotional support, creative expression, and physical activity.In 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 crisis, Michelle launched The Hackney Community Food Hub, starting from her own home. What began as emergency food support for a few neighbours has now become one of the most trusted community food access programmes in East London.
To date (2025), Michelle and her team have fed over 300,000 people, including families, elderly residents, young people, and those referred by schools, smaller local food hubs, and mental health organisations such as BetaMinds in Clapton, Ida kitchen Fellows Court, and others. Her team distributes to individuals and organisations alike—ensuring that no corner of
the borough is left behind.
Despite living on Universal Credit and still working full-time unpaid, Michelle has mobilised an army of change-makers: at the peak of the pandemic, over 400 volunteers helped deliver food, hot meals, essentials, and gifts across the borough. As of 2025, that number has dropped to under 40 active volunteers, highlighting the urgent need for new volunteers and
funding partners to meet growing demand.
Michelle’s work is deeply inclusive. She has recently introduced a dedicated SEND Programme to support children with special educational needs and disabilities. As a mother to children with ADHD, ASD, and Sickle Cell, Michelle understands the isolation and challenges many parents face. Her SEND programming provides vital access to enriching
activities, community connection, and visibility for families often left out of mainstream services.
Her leadership has been recognised nationally and locally with multiple accolades:
• Pride of Britain – TSB Community Hero (2022)
• Prime Minister’s Points of Light Award
• Mayor of Hackney Civic Award
• Sanctuary Group Wellbeing Award (2017)
• Sanctuary Inspirational Tenant of the Year
• Family Mosaic Inspirational Tenant Award
Through her projects, Michelle combines personal resilience, visionary leadership, and deep local knowledge to deliver sustainable change. She is now launching community podcasts, campaigns, and media platforms to amplify unheard voices and elevate real stories from real people.
Whether you’re a parent looking for a safe place for your child, a business eager to invest in grassroots impact, or a volunteer ready to make a difference—Michelle Dornelly’s mission welcomes you.
Let’s connect and build empowered, nourished, and united communities—together.
