Project SMILES in Honour of Patsy McKie a Tribute from the new Chairperson
- MAV UK Admin
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
For 25 years, Patsy McKie was the face of Mothers Against Violence (MAV). My mother was an inspiration to many in our local community, known as a champion and activist following the murder of my youngest brother. However, her campaigning for positive change began long before that tragedy.
In the late 1980s, following riots across major English cities, Hulme and Moss Side underwent significant changes. While the city council identified high-rise housing as the primary issue, I believe the root cause was injustice. As a Home Help Worker, my mother supported the elderly in their homes, often bringing her children along to help. This is where we developed our work ethic. During the regeneration of Hulme, she refused to be rehoused elsewhere, successfully fighting to stay in the community she loved. She was also a persistent advocate for local youth, eventually successfully lobbied the council to install a basketball ring in our local park to provide a dedicated space for young men.
As we prepare to honor Patsy McKie’s life with a project paying tribute to her years of service, I wanted to share that she was always my greatest cheerleader. At her request, I served as Chairperson of MAV from 2010 to 2013, before stepping aside as I felt the role should be held by a mother. Following Pauline Sergeant’s long tenure, I have returned as Chairperson for one reason, to honor the legacy my mother started 25 years ago.
My hope is that Project SMILES will serve as part of a lasting legacy to Patsy McKie.
Best regards,
Ian Cameron Swanston
MAV UK Chairperson/Trustee/Therapist/Supervisor
Project SMILES in Honour of Patsy McKie
Project SMILES will engage harder to reach young people with new sessions, these sessions will be completed onsite at Hulme Community Centre. MAV UK have been the lease holders of Hulme Hall Community Centre since August 2017.
Our lease was extended by Manchester City Council for a further 25 years in December 2024. This has allowed the charity to develop a long-term plan of investment in youth services and building development. Project SMILES will invest in new toilets and additional space for small group sessions. We are in the process of seeking capital funding to develop the building allowing significant savings in cost of electricity, water and reducing waste across the site. Project SMILES will meet five aims and objectives by increasing our current activities with new projects. The increased activities will help MAV UK to implement a 50% increase in services for our local community space, which currently provides activities including, childcare, dance, yoga, counselling, mindfulness and parenting support. These sessions are provided throughout the week and are accessed by local people key ages 5 to 25.
Hulme Community Centre also supports local community groups, which includes some faith-based services from the Christian and Muslim faith. Project SMILES will help to extend our mental health and wellbeing support activities for members of our local community; these additional services will provide low cost and free to access activities. MAV UK services will continue to provide a variety of activities for a cross section of the community, adding some small group sessions alongside are larger group sessions.
We have seen an increase in the need for smaller group activities for young people with additional needs. We are keen to develop these activities to support local parents and schools in our key areas across our inner city. The areas will include Hulme, Moss side, Levenshulme, Gorton. Trafford Park and Salford.
Manchester City Council's Estate Team is a key part of our 25-year lease development plan. Hulme Community Centre will develop its primary purpose, helping young people and their families to engage in more pro-social activities across the week.
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