Emma Dix-Founder and trustee

Joe was Emma’s first-born child and only son. After Joe’s murder, Emma & Phil decided that they wanted to use their experiences to help other parents and youngsters. They joined forces with Lorraine Bliss in summer 2022 and have been building the Foundation since.

Emma qualified as a diagnostic radiographer in 1999 working both in the NHS and private sector. In 2011 she completed her PGD in ultrasound and now manages the antenatal ultrasound department at the Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital. Emma takes pride in leading her team by example and always has patient care at heart.

Emma Is growing in confident public speaking and has learnt lots of new skills and made new connections since the Foundation started. In her spare time, Emma finds long walks with her dog Buddy very therapeutic. She also loves spending time with Bethany, her daughter. Emma survives on coffee and Cadburys chocolate when she gets stressed.

Phil Dix-Designated safeguarding lead and trustee

Joe was Phil’s only son, and his labourer at work. Phil and Joe had been working together on the 28th January 2022, the day that Joe was murdered. Phil and Joe shared the love of Nike trainers, caps and designer clothes.

Phil qualified as a carpenter at Norwich City College in 1997. Phil owns and runs Phil Dix Carpentry. He does a mixture of domestic and subcontracted work all over the country.

Phil has a passion for sport, watching football and playing cricket at Sprowston Cricket Club where he also manages the bar in the club house. Phil has completed his first aid training and about to undertake the designated safeguarding lead training course in November.

Phil has a great ability to engage and communicate with youngsters both at work and cricket. Joe’s friends find Phil approachable and easy to talk to. Phil is looking to use his previous experiences to raise awareness and prevent other families being in his situation.

Alan Bliss-Chairperson & trustee

Alan is a retired Employment Legal Specialist, Tribunal Advocate and Consultant who has volunteered and campaigned for many years for opportunities and social justice for young people who are less able to speak for themselves. He is an experienced Charity Trustee and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our Trustee Board.

When given time to himself, he enjoys all sports but especially Cricket and Football, and like his wife, Lorraine is a lifelong Arsenal fan. Recently he has developed a taste for Gardening and is an avid wannabe Artist.

Lorraine Bliss MBE- trustee & fundraiser

Lorraine recently retired as CEO of St Edmunds Society, in Norwich where she had been since 1991 spending most of that time in the role of CEO. In addition, being a Trustee of the Joe Dix Foundation, she currently advises on young people projects in the Voluntary Sector. She is widely regarded as a champion of young people and has campaigned endlessly for improved opportunities for those that have struggled or been unable to cope in traditional educational settings. Set up in 1966 originally as an accommodation project for young men, St Eds Trustee Board influenced by Lorraine, took the view that to make a real difference to the homeless problem it was necessary to change their outlook completely and find a way of giving those largely without any qualifications, the opportunity to learn a trade or something that would see them able to work, earn money and contribute to society as a whole. Many were talented and had much to offer but had become used to constant rejection and failure. Lorraine has presided over an incredible journey of growth and change and took St Eds to become the largest independent Alternative Provision in Norfolk, offering young people some 150 training places a week in a variety of vocational skills but mainly Construction, at their centre in Norwich and an avid supporter of YouthBuild UK.

Formal recognition of her efforts came when she received an MBE from HRH Prince William, in the 2019 New Year’s Honours List and a celebration of her charity achievements where she was presented to HM King Charles, (then Prince of Wales) at Buckingham Palace, in 2020. Her energy seldom wanes, and she is regularly found lobbying politicians and striving to identify ways to make the plight of the young people who she describes as the “forgotten generation” that much better.

When she finally relaxes, she enjoys travelling in the company of Alan, her husband of many years and spending time with the rest of her family and grandchildren. Her secret vices are her boxer dog Enzo and she is a lifelong and passionate “Gooner” (Arsenal fan)