Faces behind the Foundation: Michelle Dickinson

Having previously been employed in the rail industry as Community Engagement Manager covering the East Coast Mainline from Edinburgh to Kings Cross, I decided I wanted to spend more time in South Yorkshire and invest my energy in the area where I lived.

SYCF had all the principles and ethos I wanted from an employer. As head of philanthropy and programmes, I’m able to fulfil my passion to work for an organisation which supports its local community empowering groups to make a difference.

During five wonderful years with SYCF so far, I’m proud to have successfully contributed to and delivered many projects which have made a positive impact.

The flood appeals in 2019 and 2023 were huge projects to work on - raising more than £1.5m for affected residents and community groups across South Yorkshire.

My role was to bring in funds via current philanthropists. I also helped organise a concert with BBC Radio Sheffield, worked with affected residents to recover and repair their homes, agree applications, liaise with the Local Authorities and produce evaluation reports.

During the Cost of Living crisis, I was incredibly proud to raise funds through current philanthropists and Just Giving totalling over £1m.

 

I am so lucky to love where I work and live. We have amazing green spaces, excellent transport links, eateries, shops and pubs.

Away from SYCF, I’m Chair of Friends of Charlton Brook and have been involved in the community organisation for almost 20 years having initially started out as a volunteer. We do lots of fundraising to help protect and maintain the area’s precious green spaces.

I also enjoy travelling, cooking and precious family time with my wonderful children and grandchildren.