Trust Interim Head of Operations

Mazar Dad

With over 35 years of experience in public service and community leadership, I’ve learned that leadership is less about titles and more about service, integrity, and showing up for people when it matters most — usually with a cup of tea in hand.

My work has always centred around supporting communities, strengthening voluntary organisations, and helping young people recognise that leadership begins with fairness, responsibility, and a commitment to leaving things better than we found them.

I believe every individual has potential worth unlocking, and every organisation has the power to create lasting change when guided by purpose and compassion.

At MECC TRUST, over the last few years, I have helped support the organisation’s strategic growth and development, contributing to its journey from a small team of 2 employees to a growing workforce of 13 staff and 7 active volunteers.

This has included developing partnerships, strengthening community engagement, supporting funding opportunities, and helping shape programmes that create meaningful impact for local people and families.

I am particularly passionate about amplifying the voice, value, and impact of the voluntary and charity sector, especially organisations led by ethnically diverse communities, whose contributions are too often under-recognised despite being essential to the wellbeing and resilience of society.

In many ways, I see the sector as the quiet engine room of social change, carrying out the work that keeps communities connected, supported, and moving forward.

I also believe we have a responsibility to embrace change, including the opportunities created through the digital era, not as something to fear, but as a tool to ensure no community is left behind.

Progress only truly matters when it is fair, inclusive, and shared by everyone.

Outside of work, I enjoy walking and gardening, including growing my own vegetables — a reminder that growth, whether in people, communities, or organisations, takes patience, care, and the right environment to thrive.

Ultimately, my goal is simple: to continue building stronger communities, developing future leaders, and pushing for a society where equality is not just something we talk about, but something people genuinely experience in everyday life.

Community Arts Consultant

Tasawar Bashir

Specialist in community arts programmes, using creativity and cultural expression to engage, inspire, and empower local residents and young people.

Advice Team Manager and Senior Community Practitioner

Farheen Hussain

Farheen joined MECC Trust in 2016 as a volunteer, supporting appointment bookings and outreach work. With a degree in Sociology and Criminology, she developed a strong understanding of inequality and the challenges affecting people's finances and housing.

After completing specialist training in benefits, debt, and welfare advice, she joined the team full-time and became one of MECC's most experienced advisers.

Farheen leads on MECC's Energy Cafés, supports the delivery of the Household Support Fund and Warm Homes programme, and helps manage the busy advice service behind the scenes. She is also passionate about women's health and wellbeing and has introduced wellbeing practices for staff.

Outside of work, she enjoys baking with her young son and dreams of travelling the world when time allows.

Senior Advisor

Gawaher Aldubai

Providing strategic advice and cross-cultural community liaison, supporting MECC's outreach to diverse Birmingham communities.

Advisor

Zara

Advisor / Walk Leader

Khaled Hazem

Providing advisory support and leading community walking groups to promote wellbeing and active lifestyles across local neighbourhoods.

Adviser

Tsige Yoannes Nguse (Hannah)

Hannah began her journey with MECC Trust as a volunteer and has since become a valued member of the Advice Team. She supports residents with welfare benefits, energy advice, and the Household Support Fund, while also assisting newly arrived community members in settling into life in Birmingham.

She is fluent in Tigrinya and Amharic, enabling her to provide accessible and trusted support to a wide range of community members.

Outside of work, Hannah enjoys long walks, reading, and listening to reggae music.

Adviser

Bilan Abdi

Bilan began her journey with MECC Trust as a volunteer, supporting advisers with appointment scheduling and day-to-day administrative tasks. After completing her training, she progressed into a full-time role as a valued member of the Advice Team.

She speaks Somali and plays a key role in supporting members of the Somali community, particularly individuals facing language or cultural barriers. Her responsibilities include managing reception, conducting initial client assessments, and directing people to appropriate services.

Bilan also provides one-to-one advice on housing and welfare benefits, helping clients access the support they need.

Outside of work, she enjoys swimming, reading, and painting with friends.

Adviser

Tesfay Teweled

Tesfay began his journey with MECC Trust as a volunteer, supporting advisers and working closely with Eritrean and refugee communities. Having arrived in the UK as an asylum seeker, he is deeply committed to supporting others experiencing isolation, hardship, and transition.

Following specialist training with MECC Trust, he now provides energy and welfare benefits advice and also leads the organisation’s Get Fit and Cycling activities.

He speaks Amharic and plays an important role in supporting Eritrean, Somali, and wider local communities.

Outside of work, Tesfay is a dedicated runner and cyclist. He has completed several half marathons, achieved 3rd place in the Great Birmingham 10K, and trains with Birchfield Harriers Athletics Club.

Adviser

Rubina Akhtar

Rubina joined MECC Trust following her role at a Children’s Centre, bringing extensive experience in supporting families, children, and young people. She speaks English, Urdu, Punjabi, and Hindko, helping to make advice services more accessible to diverse local communities.

She is a qualified and accredited energy adviser, providing support to residents with welfare benefits, debt, and energy-related issues.

Rubina’s strong community connections and cultural understanding enable her to support individuals who may otherwise struggle to access essential services. She is also passionate about helping disadvantaged young people access training, education, and employment opportunities.

Outside of work, Rubina enjoys baking and aspires to travel the world while exploring new cultures and desserts.

Driver / Walk Leader

Haider Ali

Ensures the safe and reliable operation of MECC's mobile van service while leading community walking groups to promote health and wellbeing.

IT Systems & Projects Administrator

Mubeen Khan

Mubeen Khan holds a Master’s degree in Advanced Computer Science from Birmingham City University and plays a key role in supporting and developing the digital infrastructure at MECC Trust.

He specialises in IT systems management, digital solutions, and process improvement, with a focus on streamlining organisational operations and enhancing service delivery through technology. His work helps create efficient, reliable, and user-friendly systems that benefit both staff and the wider community.

Fluent in English, Urdu, and Punjabi, Mubeen is passionate about using technology to improve communication and strengthen connections across diverse communities.

His long-term vision is to support MECC Trust in becoming a more digitally advanced and accessible organisation, showcasing its impact through innovation and modern digital transformation.

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