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Murray Hall Community Trust started in 1994
with a small pot of funding in Sandwell. Over the years, we have grown to become an established charity providing support across Sandwell and the Black Country.
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Our focus throughout the last 30 years has always remained the same: Community First.
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This community-first approach has enabled us to respond to the needs of our local community, providing support for children, families, young people and adults, so that everyone has the opportunity to be supported throughout all stages of life.
Valuing People
Valuing Community
1994 - 1998
Founded in 1994 by CEO Malcolm Bailey, Murray Hall Community Trust began at St Luke’s Church, Tipton, before moving to Wood Street in 1995, where it launched Sandwell’s Health Information Point. Over the following years, Murray Hall expanded its community-led work, introducing youth counselling and the Tipton Schools Asthma Project, supporting the creation of the Tipton Listening Service, and relocating the Information Point to Tipton town centre. In 1998, Neptune Health Park opened, with Murray Hall providing health information and advice alongside community rooms and a café.
1999 - 2003
Between 1999 and 2003, Murray Hall Community Trust continued to expand its services across Sandwell. Following the success of its work in Tipton, services extended into Rowley Regis, while Murray Hall contributed to the NHS modernisation programme and consulted with older residents to produce the ‘More Help, Not Care’ report. In 2001, the Bridges Support Service launched, supporting people living with cancer from diagnosis through treatment and end-of-life care. Murray Hall also developed the Burnt Tree Sure Start Children’s Centre in Tividale, providing integrated support for families, and in 2003, the Bridges Service became borough-wide alongside the launch of Sandwell Hospice at Home, based at Neptune Health Park.
2004 - 2008
From 2004 to 2008, Murray Hall Community Trust continued to grow its impact across Sandwell, celebrating its first decade of improving community health and well-being. The Trust expanded into digital skills training, children and young people’s counselling through Head 2 Head, and community-based employment, mentoring and youth support through Tibbington Skills Link and Youth Work. Following a successful drama therapy pilot, the Barrier Busters service was rolled out across Sandwell, and in 2008, the Trust’s Skills Link and Tibby Youth services were recognised through the Guardian Public Award for Service Delivery, Housing and Regeneration.
2009 - 2013
Between 2009 and 2013, Murray Hall continued to expand its services and partnerships across Sandwell and the wider region. The Trust took on the Great Bridge Children’s Centre and hosted the Midlands’ first Compassionate Communities Conference, while also launching Sandwell Getaway, a specially adapted motorhome offering holidays for children and young people with disabilities. Its Sandwell Gateway service expanded to include a caravan in Wales, and the Trust became a founding partner of the Birmingham Mental Health Consortium. In 2012, Murray Hall and its partners secured contracts to manage 11 Children’s Centres across Sandwell, while the Bridges Support Service introduced a Volunteer Drivers Transport Scheme to help people living with cancer attend hospital appointments and access treatment.
2014 - 2018
Between 2014 and 2018, we continued to develop The Bridge Centre in Tipton, transforming a derelict building into a new community hub, with services beginning to move in during 2014. In 2015, a multi-sensory room, co-designed with young people, opened following funding from the Big Lottery People’s Million. The Trust was awarded the Wellbeing Hub Service in 2016, providing a single point of access for adult mental health referrals across Sandwell. In 2017, founding CEO Malcolm Bailey retired as the organisation restructured its senior management team, while Murray Hall received the Health and Wellbeing Aspiration Award for its therapy work. In 2018, Lifelites provided specialist digital equipment and training to support young people with life-limiting illnesses.
2019 - 2024
Between 2019 and 2024, Murray Hall Community Trust continued to innovate and respond to the changing needs of the community. The Trust worked with young people with life-limiting illnesses to develop a Digital Creative Centre and piloted the programme with special schools and colleges in Wolverhampton. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Murray Hall continued supporting children, families and vulnerable adults, while opening the Tipton Food Pantry at The Bridge to help tackle food poverty. New services included Building Braver Minds, providing counselling for children and young people, and the Starting Well maternity support scheme. Murray Hall also became lead partner for the Sandwell Community Dementia Service and delivered creative music programmes for young people. In 2023, Sandwell Council approved the asset transfer of The Bridge to the Trust, and in 2024, Murray Hall secured government funding to renovate the remaining building, including a community kitchen and Digital Creative Centre, alongside opening a new charity shop in Princes End.
People Supporting People
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Meet our Leadership Team
Manjula has extensive experience working with a community development approach within small community-based charities as well as the international charity Save the Children. She joined Murray Hall Community Trust in 2001 to establish an innovative service responding to the needs of people living at home toward the end of their lives. This led her to study compassionate communities and has a PhD in health and social sciences. She now leads the charity which has a diverse scope of supporting children, young people, families and adults, building community resilience and improving health and wellbeing.
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Dr Manjula Patel –
Chief Executive Officer
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Paul is the Operations Development Executive and Deputy CEO at Murray Hall, drawing on a significant NHS career across clinical practice, operational leadership, and system level work. He brings a calm, grounded approach to organisational development, focusing on clarity, safety, and the practical realities of how teams’ function under pressure.
He supports Murray Hall to strengthen its operational foundations and position the charity confidently within the wider health, care, and voluntary sector landscape. Paul’s experience of ICB and place based working gives him a practical understanding of how system priorities translate into local delivery, helping the organisation stay aligned without losing sight of community realities.
His approach is guided by the needs of community, keeping people at the centre and ensuring services remain credible, compassionate, and connected to those they serve. Paul works quietly and steadily, offering clear thinking, thoughtful challenge, and a reliable system perspective that supports Murray Hall to move forward safely and confidently.
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Paul Gibara -
Operations Development Executive & Deputy CEO
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I have 40 years’ experience in Finance and Accounting, with a strong background in the charitable sector and a particular passion for making a positive difference to people’s lives. Over the past 20 years, I have worked within domestic violence and homeless services across the West Midlands, as well as supporting people facing barriers to employment.
In my role at Murray Hall Community Trust, I bring together my experience in finance, strategic planning and information governance to support the organisation’s wider objectives. I am passionate about ensuring that resources are used effectively, funding opportunities are maximised and robust financial planning supports both current service delivery and the charity’s future development. I believe that forward planning, informed decision-making and strong financial management are essential to building resilience, managing risk and ensuring that organisations can continue to deliver vital services to the communities they serve.
Alongside financial management, I recognise the importance of effective information governance, accountability and compliance in protecting the organisation, its people and the individuals who rely on its services. I value working collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation to strengthen processes, support good governance and ensure that decisions are informed by accurate, reliable information.
What matters most to me is knowing that the work I do contributes to something meaningful. I am proud to be part of an organisation that supports vulnerable individuals and communities, helping people overcome challenges, rebuild their confidence and create brighter futures. For me, effective finance, strategic planning and good governance are about more than numbers, policies and processes; they are about creating the stability and opportunities that enable a charity to make a lasting difference.
Debbie Bridgen - Finance & Information Governance Executive
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With over 30 years’ experience in human resources, organisation development, education and strategic management in public, private and charitable sectors, Tracey is passionate about creating a culture that supports people in achieving their aspirations and utilising their talents. Of her role at Murray Hall, Tracey says “Having joined Murray Hall in 2019, every day I see first-hand the commitment, drive and determination demonstrated by our staff, volunteers and partner organisations to deliver excellent services and I see my role as empowering people to do their best and to feel valued so that this translates through to the care that is shown to our service users. Integrity, patience, clear leadership and open communication are important values to me and which I believe are essential in establishing a solid foundation for sound working relationships and building new connections. I’m proud to be contributing to the work that Murray Hall has so admirably achieved over its many years of service to our communities, and look forward to new challenges as we further evolve in a fast-changing environment.
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Tracey Medlyn -
People and Culture Executive
Everything we do is to ensure everyone has access to the support they deserve.
Meet our Trustees
Naturally.
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I am a qualified social worker with a history in child protection practice and broader aspects of social care. I have been involved in the education and training of social workers at qualifying and post qualifying levels for over 30 years and I have also been involved in the education and training of a number of other professionals (teachers and medics, for example).
I have good knowledge of relevant research and the legal framework and the needs of adult learning in relation to service development and training. I have been involved in a consultancy capacity with a number of practice initiatives, including a hostel for women offenders, Coventry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre, and Women’s Aid (England) and have undertaken a number of service evaluations in the fields of social care and adult and child services.
I have been a researcher in the field of domestic violence for a number of years, and have recently been involved in a European network devising training materials for statutory and voluntary sector workers about children and domestic violence. I am also an Emeritus Professor and Director of STAMP Productions, a Community Interest Company that works collaboratively with researchers and artists to create art events about health and well-being.
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Chris Harrison -
Chair
I am a qualified social worker with a history in child protection practice and broader aspects of social care. I have been involved in the education and training of social workers at qualifying and post qualifying levels for over 30 years and I have also been involved in the education and training of a number of other professionals (teachers and medics, for example). I have good knowledge of relevant research and the legal framework and the needs of adult learning in relation to service development and training. I have been involved in a consultancy capacity with a number of practice initiatives, including a hostel for women offenders, Coventry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre, and Women’s Aid (England) and have undertaken a number of service evaluations in the fields of social care and adult and child services. I have been a researcher in the field of domestic violence for a number of years, and have recently been involved in a European network devising training materials for statutory and voluntary sector workers about children and domestic violence. I am also an Emeritus Professor and Director of STAMP Productions, a Community Interest Company that works collaboratively with researchers and artists to create art events about health and well-being.
John Blewitt
Naturally.
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For many years I had “known about” Murray Hall, but it wasn’t until I helped to set up the Tipton Foodbank in 2013 that I began to “KNOW” Murray Hall. Important work largely goes unnoticed by the wider community – but those who have received the care and compassion which we offer know us in a different way – in a life changing way.
I’ve been on the Board of Trustees since 2013 and it was a great privilege to be the Chair of Trustees from 2016 - 2023. It’s been a time defined by challenges, change and uncertainty but our Trustees and Management Team have worked tirelessly to still put community and people at the centre of what we do.
I spent most of my working life in a financial environment. I’m also a committed Christian and Methodist preacher. I have learned, over many years, to try and look at a person as a whole person – physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. My greatest pleasure is working alongside a team who are like-minded and, through Murray Hall, are able to bring positive changes to peoples’ lives.
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For many years I had “known about” Murray Hall, but it wasn’t until I helped to set up the Tipton Foodbank in 2013 that I began to “KNOW” Murray Hall. Important work largely goes unnoticed by the wider community – but those who have received the care and compassion which we offer know us in a different way – in a life changing way.I’ve been on the Board of Trustees since 2013 and it was a great privilege to be the Chair of Trustees from 2016 - 2023. It’s been a time defined by challenges, change and uncertainty but our Trustees and Management Team have worked tirelessly to still put community and people at the centre of what we do.I spent most of my working life in a financial environment. I’m also a committed Christian and Methodist preacher. I have learned, over many years, to try and look at a person as a whole person – physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. My greatest pleasure is working alongside a team who are like-minded and, through Murray Hall, are able to bring positive changes to peoples’ lives.
John Miller
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John has a wealth of financial experience being a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries & Administrators and a Fellow of the London Institute of Banking and Finance. The majority of his working life was spent in the building society industry where he finished his career as Director, General Manager & Secretary of the Tipton and Coseley Building Society. Now retired, John is Assistant Manager of the Severn Valley Railway booking office in Kidderminster, Treasurer of the Black Country Circuit of the Methodist Church and a West Bromwich Albion season ticket holder.
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David grew up and went to school in the Black Country, namely Walsall and Wolverhampton. His professional background and experience lies at various times in providing, commissioning and monitoring mental health services in the public, private and voluntary sectors. His past appointments include NHS Executive Director of a Mental Health Trust in Manchester, Non-Executive Director of a former Special Health Authority, Chief Executive of a National Mental Health Charity and Hospital Director in the private sector. David also has first-hand experience of working with Murray Hall as a Duty Clinical Officer in the Sandwell Wellbeing Hub. He holds degrees from the University of East Anglia and University of London and is passionate about community wellbeing and positive mental health. David chairs the Clinical Governance Sub-Committee.
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David Hill
With 25 years of experience in the third sector, I have built an extensive career in employability, skills, and community development. Over the past two years, I have served as Head of Services at Disability Resource Centre in Birmingham, following 23 successful years of managing programmes across the Black Country that supported individuals and communities to overcome barriers and achieve positive outcomes.
Prior to joining the third sector, I worked within the Civil Service, which provided me with a strong foundation in public service and delivering support that improves lives.
Having long been aware of Murray Hall Community Trust's excellent reputation for supporting local communities, I was keen to bring my wealth of experience and expertise to an organisation that closely aligns with my personal values. I found that connection in Murray Hall, whose commitment to putting people at the heart of everything they do reflects my own passion for empowering individuals and creating opportunities for lasting positive change.
Fun fact (or not as the case may be)
I have 3 German shepherds and 3 cats so spend a lot of time hoovering up animal hair
Stephanie Hammond
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Neil grew up in the area and went to school in Halesowen and Stourbridge. He now lives in Sutton Coldfield with his wife and two sons who are now away at university. He has 34 years' experience in healthcare operational management and director roles, most recently as Managing Director for hospitals in the Yorkshire & Humberside region, and before that services across North Wales. Neil is a strong advocate of collaborative working, compassionate leadership and the benefits of a coaching, empowering style. Alongside academic and significant vocational qualifications, Neil has an Award in Executive Healthcare Leadership. This has enabled significant reflection about his values - integrity, professionalism and desire to make a difference, together with awareness of issues around equality, diversity and inclusion. He is a Trustee / Non-Executive Director of a number of other charities, including Health Exchange (based in Birmingham) and Queen Alexandra College (Harborne) and is also chair of the Buddy Bag Foundation, a national charity that helps young people going into emergency care.
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He says “I have been inspired by the Murray Hall story and the significant difference it makes in the lives of local people. I am looking forward to supporting the vital work that it undertakes.”
Neil Rogers
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Meet our Managers
I spent the first ten years of my life living just around the corner from Murray Hall, it feels like I’ve now returned home.
My entire career has been spent working with people in a variety of different capacities within Health, Social Care, Housing and Education, most of this time has been spent working in the South East of England.
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I ensure I work with people in a person-centred way, empowering people to be in control of their life choices.
I’m proud to be part of the Murray Hall team and the Community Offer Plus service, the team strive to support as many people as possible within the Sandwell borough. It’s incredible to see the outcomes and the positive impact we can have on people’s lives.
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When outside of work, I can be found walking with my two dogs, spending time with my family, cycling, reading and listening to my growing vinyl music collection.
Kerry -
Service Manager for Community Offer Plus
Lucy Vines is the Service Manager and Clinical Lead and Designated Safeguarding Lead for Creative Therapy Services (CTS) at MHCT.
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With over 25 years’ experience working with children, young people and families, Lucy brings extensive clinical and safeguarding expertise to her role. Her background includes leadership in safeguarding, clinical supervision, and working as a Senior Integrative Child and Adolescent Therapist.
Lucy is passionate about supporting children, young people, adults, parents, carers and families to alleviate emotional, behavioural and mental health difficulties. She takes a systemic and holistic approach, tailoring therapeutic support to the individual needs of each client and family.
Throughout her career, Lucy has remained committed to ongoing professional development, continually building on her knowledge and skills to enhance the support she provides.
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Since joining MHCT in September 2025, Lucy has expanded the CTS team to help meet the high demand for referrals and improve the service’s capacity to support those in need.
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Lucy -
Service Manager and Clinical Lead , along with Designated Safeguarding Lead for Creative Therapeutic Services
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I am the Service Manager for Employment and Skills. I have over 25 years of experience within the employment and skills sector.
My background spans apprenticeships, traineeships, study programmes, socially funded initiatives, ESF funded projects, and National Lottery Community Fund projects.
I feel proud to be working for Murray Hall Community Trust as a charity that supports individuals to help remove inequalities. We have a great team who are always willing to help others.
Helen -
Employment and Skills Manager
As manager of the shop in Unity Walk you will find me sorting through your donations, dressing the mannequins in questionable outfit choices and out and about on the shopfloor creating displays and interacting with our customers.
I love the community spirit of our shop and how we turn someone's preloved item into the next person's favourite new find. Sustainability and affordability are important to me, and I am and always have been a charity shop addict, even planning holidays and family days out to where I will find new shops to visit.
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Emma -
Charity Shop Manager
My name is Steve and I am the Facilities Manager responsible for the safety, maintenance and daily operation of all community spaces. I take great pride in supporting service users of all ages, from children to adults, to ensure the trust remains a vibrant, inclusive hub for everyone. I am a Man United fan and have been on television twice on game shows, winning one and being one question away from £10,000 on the other.
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Steven-
Facilities and Services Development Manager
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I have worked for Murray Hall for 3 years. You'll always find me running around sorting donations and pricing stock. I love to see people's unwanted items being reused by new customers whilst generating valuable income for the charity.
Andrew -
Charity Shop Manager
John leads business development and procurement at Murray Hall Community Trust and manages its employment and skills work. Since joining in 2024, he has helped the Trust grow its funded programmes, strengthened its commissioning and procurement practice, and led the development of its employment and skills offer, including accredited learning for local people.
John brings more than fifteen years’ experience in funding, commissioning and project management across the health and wellbeing, education and employability sectors. He has worked in local government, the private training sector and the voluntary sector, and has managed large partnership programmes supporting young people and adults into learning and work across the West Midlands and London.
He is professionally qualified in leadership, project management, quality assurance, teaching and auditing, and works closely with commissioners, funders and delivery partners to make sure programmes are well run and deliver real benefits.
John is committed to turning funding and partnership work into practical support for local communities, and to helping the Trust continue to improve the opportunities available to the residents it serves.
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John - Business Development & Procurement Manager