Michelle has for the last thirty years worked with and for young people and vulnerable adults in Barnsley and still claims to be the right side of 40. She has worked for Barnsley Youth Services, the NSPCC, Barnsley YMCA and other community based agencies and as co founder of Ad Astra . Appearances can be deceptive and Michelles gentle exterior hide a steely determination to do the best for the young people of Barnsley. Her encyclopedic knowledge of the people and services available for young people in the borough give her the ability to be a powerful advocate for them. Her generosity is legendary and frequently needs reining in by her fellow directors. As a forceful orator she is an ideal front person and lead for many of Ad Astra’s projects.
Her drive has given Ad Astra the opportunity to provide food parcels to families on the estate. Michelle also runs 2 after school sessions that provide children and young people with a hot meal. Food poverty is something Michelle is keen to support, making sure individuals and households are provided with adequate and nutritious meals.