Meet Mazar Dad and the MECC Trust
Founded in the 1970s by dedicated volunteers, MECC Trust began as informal gatherings in Balsall Heath. It has grown into a citywide organisation committed to building stronger, fairer communities.
The MECC Trust offers tailored support to improve health, financial stability, and social inclusion through:
- benefits advice
- energy guidance
- wellbeing programmes
- learning opportunities
It helps people move towards employment, develop business ideas, and engage with national priorities like Net Zero. By working closely with individuals and partners, MECC Trust amplifies community voices, connects people to services, and ensures support is always available. It is a trusted source of advice and guidance, helping people build resilience, independence, and brighter futures.
Mazar Dad told us about his journey with MECC Trust.
My journey: from passion to purpose
Mazar Dad
I’ve volunteered as a trustee for 20 years. After retiring from 35 years in public service, I was invited to step in as Interim Chief Officer when our Centre Manager retired. My role is to lead MECC Trust into a sustainable future with a clear strategy.
Alongside a dedicated team of 12, we are turning passion into purpose – supporting individuals and driving lasting change across Birmingham.
Why we love it
Every day, people come to us facing complex, connected challenges like employment issues tied to debt, housing, or health. That is why we offer a wide range of support from our centre, including welfare benefit advice, housing help, food access, and wellbeing programmes.
Thanks to local area development funding, we have started the journey of improving energy efficiency in over 700 Birmingham homes. We also work closely with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to ensure joined-up support around employment and benefits.
Our reach goes beyond the centre. Each week, our mobile advice van visits sites like Cannon Hill Park, offering free drop-in support. My vision is to expand this service across Birmingham, ensuring no resident is left behind. We also run outreach surgeries with around 10 partner organisations, providing energy and wider support through trained advisers.
Whether someone is in crisis or just needs a listening ear, MECC Trust and our partners are here. We are compassionate, non-judgemental, and committed to helping people take meaningful steps forward. Seeing someone leave feeling supported and hopeful is the greatest reward.
What we have accomplished this year
Over the past year, MECC Trust has supported around 7,000 Birmingham residents, including nearly 1,000 through the Household Support Fund, helping people access essential resources during difficult times.
As a recognised anchor organisation, MECC Trust plays a key role in shaping the local economy and community. A recent example is the refurbishment of our main building, where we prioritised hiring local contractors and partners.
The building, developed to Net Zero standards, now draws around only 15% of its energy from the grid, with the rest from sustainable sources. This retrofit ensures the space is energy-efficient and future-ready.
The Lord Mayor of Birmingham and other dignitaries attended our official reopening on 17 September 2025. Keep an eye on the website and our upcoming MECC-ZERO newsletter for more details and opportunities to visit.
Building a better tomorrow
We aim to play an active role in the wider Net Zero movement, joining the journey towards positive change that benefits both the planet and the people of Birmingham.
Looking ahead, we hope to expand our support for young people by creating more opportunities for work experience, volunteering, and education or training – helping them build skills and confidence for the future.
We look forward to being part of the City Vision, supporting positive change for Birmingham residents through the services we deliver at the MECC Trust.
Page last updated: 6 October 2025