Centre celebrates 40 years of serving community with support from SYCF
A community centre set up in the aftermath of the 1984/85 miners’ strike has gone on to support more than 40,000 people, supported by four decades of backing from South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation (SYCF).
Cortonwood Comeback Centre was established in 1986 by residents of Brampton Bierlow to tackle unemployment, exclusion and disadvantage following the closure of Cortonwood Colliery. That same year, it became the very first organisation ever funded by SYCF, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2026.
With SYCF’s support, Cortonwood Comeback Centre has grown into an integral part of local life, offering a safe, welcoming space where people of all ages can connect, learn and access vital support.
Run and managed entirely by volunteers, the centre delivers a wide range of activities promoting wellbeing, connection and personal development. These include youth clubs, parent and toddler groups, community cafés, food provision, outdoor wellbeing classes and advice services supporting people with homelessness, housing, benefits, education and employment.
Founded in 1986 by the Cortonwood Women’s Action Group, the Centre was the first organisation to ever receive a grant from SYCF - £1,000 - a catalyst that turned a grassroots vision into a fully operational community hub.
Over the past 40 years, continued funding from SYCF has helped the Centre evolve into a multi‑generational service, supporting residents aged 0 to 100 through food parcels, digital inclusion programmes, seasonal events and more - always adapting to meet emerging community needs.
Denise Lelliott, from Cortonwood Comeback Centre, said:
Our longevity and impact would not have been possible without the early confidence and ongoing support of SYCF
We are honoured to be part of their family of grantees and deeply grateful for the Foundation’s steadfast commitment especially during periods of rapid change or financial pressure. Their belief in us has helped us remain a trusted, inclusive space for all.
The Centre remains dedicated to its founding mission: to be open to everyone, to listen first, and to deliver services that matter.
This milestone is a reminder that strong communities are built on collaboration and SYCF has been a cornerstone of that for 40 remarkable years.
Since 1986, South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation has invested more than £40 million into thousands of grassroots organisations across South Yorkshire, supporting communities to thrive.
Michelle Dickinson, Head of Philanthropy and Programmes at South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation, said:
As we celebrate our 40th anniversary, it’s important to reflect on organisations like Cortonwood Comeback Centre – the very first group we ever funded.
Their incredible journey shows exactly why long-term investment in community-led organisations matters. With the right support, local groups can grow, adapt and continue to make a lasting difference for generations.
To find out more about applying for funding from South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation, visit www.sycf.org.uk/apply.
Meet Michelle
Michelle supports our Strategic Plan through philanthropy. This includes the development of long-term strategic relationships to secure and distribute income against agreed targets. She is also responsible for of our Fund Development Strategy and SYCF's Grant Strategy.
Her working days are Monday to Friday.
Michelle Dickinson
Head of Philanthropy and Programmes
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