This month, we sit down with Jenny Dixon, who has been working on our Business Development team for just over two years and, in recognition of her outstanding contribution, has just been promoted to Lead Bid Writer!
We hope you enjoy getting to know more about Jenny and her journey with LifeLine.
What does a Lead Bid Writer do?
We work closely with the various teams in LifeLine to make sure that funders can see the impact of the work we’re doing out in the community.
But our job is made easy by the clear impact our delivery is having. The better we do this, the more people we can work with.
What do you get out of working in Business Development?
I feel I’m an integral part of LifeLine’s work—helping to put the food on the table, as it were. Without the work of Business Development, there can be no charity. And knowing you’re a core part of the team makes you feel valued.
Do you have a history with LifeLine?
My earliest memories of LifeLine Projects would be from around 2009, when I was involved in one of the early youth projects, SW!TCH ID. I was about 11-12 at the time, and we were all out on the streets picking up litter—trying to change the negative perception of young people. The value If found in being involved and working alongside my peers really helped me.
I’ve been on the receiving end of LifeLine’s work, and I can see how their values are demonstrated in everything they do. I can vouch for them—they’re real.
How big is your family?
I have a younger brother and sister. As the eldest, I’m the most outspoken and assertive one, but we all get on really well. My sister is currently studying medicine and is considering being a GP, and my brother is currently working at a local community hub on his year off.
What do your parents do?
My mum was one of the early volunteers at LifeLine, teaching English to local women. She then went on to found another project of her own that she still supports today.
My dad is a teacher in a local secondary school. Some years ago, he quit his job and came to work at LifeLine as a parenting worker. He then helped set up the LifeLine School, which provided education for young people that were hard to place in mainstream schools.
I guess you could say LifeLine is in my blood.
Is family very important to you?
Yes, definitely! They’ve taught me values, morals, forgiveness, and unconditional love. I’ve been lucky—it made me feel very secure in who I am. I feel there’s a plan for my life and nothing I can’t achieve—and that’s because of the way I was brought up. My parents were nurturing and encouraging even when I made mistakes.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
A mermaid—it was a great concept when I was a kid.
What do you think other people should know about LifeLine?
It’s a family taking care of each other. In the office, everybody gets on well and works together. And we all come across challenges, but there’s always somebody willing to help out.
What one word would your friends use to describe you?
Brutally honest.
What’s something about you that few people know?
I was very musical growing up. I played cello, flute, and piano, and I love to sing too. I still have my flute but I don’t pick it up anymore.
