MAV UK TEAM
Our amazing team includes NHS professionals, university lecturers, mental experts, counsellors, therapists, economists, community leaders, volunteers, and so much more! Together, we bring a fantastic mix of expertise and a dedication to uplifting our community. Each member plays a crucial role in our mission ensuring we provide compassionate and effective solutions to those we serve We are excited to be effective together!
Patsy McKie
Founder MAVUK
Patsy is the founder and she 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
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Ian C Swanston
Chairperson / Trustee MAVUK
Ian become the new Chairperson of the charity in April 2025.
Ian leads the submission of funding applications for MAV UK projects.
Ian is a qualified counsellor with a strong focus on therapeutic work, including trauma-based therapy,
Ian has been an integral part of the team since2005, successfully securing funding for all MAV UK services.
He is deeply involved in all facets of the charity and serves as the primary resource for information regarding MAV UK. Additionally, Ian oversees the day-to-day operations of the charity together with the DO of MAVUK and manages all funding outcomes, including the necessary documentation and evidence.
Stanimir Kolev
DO / Secretary / Trustee MAVUK
Stanimir is a highly creative professional with a degree in Economics & Design, recognised for his significant achievements in delivering exceptional projects and business strategies, along with his creative, conceptual, and analytical skills. Since 2016, he has played a vital role in developing projects for MAV, assuming the position of Director of Operations in January 2020, and later becoming the Secretary and Trustee in April 2025. His background in the social sector and experience in fast-paced business environments contribute to the advancement of MAV UK. Stanimir has successfully launched the new MAV UK website and laid the groundwork for "Project Smiles UK," in addition to the new MAV UK branding and slogan.
Rose Thompson
Founder / Treasurer / Trustee
In 1999, Rose participated in the inaugural community meeting addressing gun and gang violence following the tragic shooting deaths of three young men within a single week.
Since its inception, she has been a steadfast supporter of the charity, contributing to its financial accounting. More recently, MAV UK transitioned to a business model,
Rose was appointed as a director of the charity's business structure in 2017.
Yosha Gilkes
Community Project Lead / Jet Black
Yosha is a member of the MAVUK committee who began her journey by leading a dynamic youth dance group. With the support and guidance of MAV Founder Patsy McKie, she developed her skills in engaging with young people. Currently, Yosha facilitates activities for youth at Hulme Hall, offering a dance class on Monday evenings for them to engage in prosocial activities.
Regular dance sessions for as young people from the local community. She also organizes sports holiday camps and events like Kwanzaa celebrations. Holding a BA Dance, Yosha is enthusiastic about her community and, as a proud mother of two, strives to create better opportunities for all young people in her area, inspiring them through creativity and encouragement.
Amina Grant
Community PL / Wellness with Amina
Amina has recently joined the MAV UK team and is currently working on a Movement and Mindfulness mental health intervention with their support. Over the past four years, she has dedicated herself to therapy, personal growth, and self-discovery. This journey led her to integrate well-being into her career and life. Amina now offers well-being services to the community, emphasizing movement and mindfulness practices in a welcoming environment that fosters mental health and overall wellness.
Her sessions encourage self-expression through movement, relaxation through guided mindfulness, and deeper connections through presence and awareness, creating a space for growth, healing, community.
Daniel Johnson
Project Manager & Business Lead
Daniel Johnson is an entrepreneur and community development advocate with experience in waste management and recycling, property management and maintenance, sales, business consultancy, training, and community outreach. Rooted in the Moss Side area, Daniel is focused on creating opportunities. As founder of Manchester City Waste, he has developed apprenticeship and training programs, introducing young people to practical skills and vocational pathways. Through Rock I Organisation Community Project, he supports initiatives focused on social inclusion, mental health issues, and community engagement. Daniel's community outreach also focuses on housing development.
Vida Swanston
Trustee
Vida is a retired social worker who has been a dedicated volunteer with MAV UK since 2002. From 2006 2024, she served as the treasurer of the charity and currently holds a trustee position. Vida has provided organization with essential guidance and support on matters related to assisting parents. Her commitment helping hard-to-reach young people is evident, and she was among the first volunteers to offer support to local families affected by crime, leveraging her personal experiences to the community.
Arfana Naseem
PM, Education, Training & Quality Professional
Arfana Naseem is an accomplished education and training professional with over 15 years’ experience in operational management, training and development, quality assurance, employability and learner progression.
Throughout her career, Arfana has held senior and specialist positions including Operations and Training Management, Quality Assurance & Compliance Manager, Lead Internal Quality Assurer, Training Manager, Assessor and Careers Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) Consultant. She has extensive experience managing training provision, developing programmes, leading delivery teams and ensuring learners receive high-quality education, support and progression opportunities.
Donna Sergeant
Volunteer Development Consultant
MAV UK is thrilled to welcome Donna Sergeant as a Volunteer Consultant on our Management Team.
She is the daughter of Pauline Sergeant, the longest-serving Chairperson of Mothers Against Violence, who stepped down in April 2024 after 13 years.
Donna has over 35 years of experience with children and working in mental health.
Donna is a director of a community interest company promoting social change.
She created "Love Doesn’t Forget," a podcast and upcoming book on dementia from a Black perspective, and is developing "Tech Together," an intergenerational project focused on innovative solutions. We are proud to have her on the MAV UK Leadership Team.
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.
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 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.
