We’re delighted to welcome Madeline Forbes to Strategic Solutions as our new Community Support Coordinator, supporting the work of our Community Foundation and our commitment to making a positive difference in local communities. Madeline brings a strong background in charity work, community engagement and creating opportunities for people to feel included and supported. Her career in the charity sector began at the National Trust, where she spent several years caring for historic objects within a centuries-old collection. This experience gave her an appreciation of the importance of preserving heritage while making it accessible to as many people as possible. Madeline has also been a Trustee of Dorset Deaf Children’s Society since 2022. This is a particularly meaningful role for her, as the charity supported her throughout her childhood.
As a deaf woman, Madeline is passionate about giving back to the organisation that played such an important part in her life. She also hosts events for young people and young adults, helping to build connections and create a sense of community for a group whose needs can sometimes be overlooked. Her experience in the charity sector, combined with her personal commitment to inclusion, will be a real asset as she helps us continue to support charities and grassroots organisations making a difference to people’s lives.
Our Community Foundation is an important part of our commitment to giving back to the communities in which our clients and colleagues live and work. Through charitable donations and targeted funding, we support a wide range of causes, with a particular focus on smaller, volunteer-led organisations that can find it difficult to access funding. Over the past six years, we’ve donated £300,000 to more than 150 charities and community organisations. Our support has reached initiatives covering health and wellbeing, youth and education, conservation and the environment, and local community and social welfare.
While awards aren’t our motivation, we were proud to be shortlisted for the Money Marketing Charity Champion of the Year Award last year, recognising the collective commitment behind our Community Foundation. Looking ahead Madeline’s appointment strengthens our commitment to supporting meaningful community initiatives and helping organisations reach the people who need them most.
We’re excited to have her on board and look forward to the experience, insight and passion she’ll bring to our Community Foundation as we continue to build relationships with charities and community organisations and support the valuable work they do. If you’re a charity or have a good cause that you’d like us to consider for support, find out more about our Community Foundation and how we’re helping to make a difference here: https://ssfs.co.uk/community/