CELEBRATING 25 YEARS MAV UK
MAV UK IS NON-FOR-PROFIT ORGANISATION & ALL PROCEEDS ARE RE-INVESTED IN THE HALL OR COMMUNITY PROJECTS
KEY PEOPLE
Pure Professionalism
Patsy McKie
Founder
Patsy was the longest serving member of the charity. It was her inspirational story which motivated the charity when it started in August 1999. Patsy’s work was acknowledged with a Manchester Pride Award in 2019. She is still at the forefront of the organisation and has supported many families in her local area. The charity will always be indebted to her valuable contribution in helping to reduce gang, gun, and knife crime in the local area. Patsy was appointed as secretary of the business structure of the charity in 2017.
Patsy passed away in January 2025 after being diagnosed with Alzheimer's and Dementia in 2021. She remained adamant to be part of MAV UK until 2023. She will be missed by the charity and her local community. RIP
Pauline Sergeant
2013 - 2024 MAV Chairperson
Pauline was the longest serving chairperson for MAV UK. She was the chairperson from 2013 to 2024.
She joined the team in 2013 and made it her mission to ensure policies and procedures were always a priority. Pauline came to MAV UK with a great understanding of local community engagement. She has previously worked as a school governor, and with AGE UK. Pauline is a counsellor and mentor and supports these services with her skills and knowledge. She was appointed a director of the business structure of the charity in 2017.
Pauline retired from her role as chairperson, her desire has always been to make room for new leadership.
Ian C Swanston
Chairperson / Trustee
Ian is the new Chairperson of the charity appointment in April 2025 and leads with funding application submissions for MAV UK projects. He is a qualified counsellor and has a keen interest in therapeutic work which includes trauma-based therapy. Ian has been part of the team since 2005; he has successfully secured funding for all MAV UK services. He is involved with every aspect of the charity; he is the go-to person when it comes to what you need to know about MAV UK. Ian manages the day-to-day functions of the charity and all funding outcomes, which include evidencing.
Stanimir Kolev
DO / Trustee / Secretary
Commercial & Charity
Stanimir is highly creative and innovative professional with graduation in Arts & Economics with proven success in delivering exceptional projects and business strategies, recognise for creative, conceptual, and analytical talents.
Stanimir has been involved in developing projects for MAV since 2016 and appointed a the DO in January 2020 and became the new Secretary and Trustee in April 2025.
His strong professional background in the Social Area and experience in fast-paced business environments contribute positively to the development of MAV UK.
Stanimir developed the new Website, "Project Smiles UK", Our New MAV UK Branding and Slogan.
He is currently collaborating with internal and external members to improve MAVUK Finances, MAVUK Community Hall, and the overall charity prospectus.
Amina Grant
Community Project Lead
Wellness with Amina
Amina is a new member of the MAV UK team, currently developing a Movement and Mindfulness mental health intervention with the support of MAV UK. Amina has spent the last four years immersed in therapy, self-evolution and knowledge of self. This journey inspired a shift in both career and life, leading to the integration of well-being. Amina is offering well-being services to the community, focusing on movement and mindfulness practices. Amina provides a welcoming space where individuals can engage in activities that nurture mental health and overall well-being. Her sessions provide opportunities for self-expression through movement, relaxation through guided mindfulness exercises, and deeper connections through presence and awareness practices. Amina cultivates an environment that encourages growth, healing, and a strong sense of community.
Yosha Gilkes
Community Project Lead
Jet Black Academy
Yosha, a dedicated MAV UK committee member. Yosha started working with MAV UK leading a vibrant youth dance group. MAV Founder Patsy McKie provided support, guidance and encouragement to Yosha when she started developing her skills working with young people. Yosha now supports activities for young people at Hulme Hall. She provides a space on a Monday evening for young people to actively participate in prosocial activities which includes regular dance sessions for young people from as young as 5 years old. Yosha also organises sports holiday camps, and curates cultural events like Kwanzaa celebrations. Yosha has a BA in Dance and a passion for community. Yosha is a proud mum of two, who is ensuring better opportunities are given in her local community for all young people. Yosha inspires young people through creativity and encouragement.
Vida Swanston
Trustee
Vida is a retired social worker who has volunteered for MAV UK since 2002. She has been the treasurer for the charity from 2006 to 2024 and serves as a trustee. Vida has provided the charity with advice and support with issues related to supporting parents. She has a keen interest in supporting hard to reach young people. She was one of the first volunteers to start visiting local families after they had lost a loved one because of violent crime. She has used her personal experience of violent crime to support the people in the community.
Rose Thompson
Founder/Trustee/Treasurer
Rose attended the first meeting held in the community in response to gun and gang crime in 1999, after 3 young men were shot and killed in the same week. She has continued to support the charity since the beginning. She has supported the financial accounting of the charity. In more recent years as MAV UK took on business status, Rose was appointed a director of the business structure of the charity in 2017.
Barbara Allen-Edwards
Past Trustee
Barbara was a valued member of the management committee and one of our newly appointed trustees. She has supported the Making Children & Young People Matter (MCYPM) Project over the years. She is a key part of our MCYPM annual events, held in the city center of Manchester. Barbara has a keen interest in supporting issues related to domestic abuse and issues which concern women and young people at risk of exploitation. Barbara has served as a trustee for the past few years and been a committed volunteer from 2012 to 2022
Dr Robert Ralph
Past Trustee
Robert started with the charity in a research role. This allowed him to evidence the impact of many of the earlier projects delivered by the charity. He also provides MAV UK with links with our local university. Robert has been a trustee since 2010. He was key in leading the charity in its bid to get charity status. He continues to link the service with relevant research information which supports our ability to obtain the right funding opportunities.
