Mero’s World Foundation is a registered charity that provides a variety of services across Greater Manchester and beyond.
Our charity is dedicated to:
- Improving community welfare
- Promoting education around knife crime
- Supporting those who have lost children
- Providing a safe space for young people
- Speaking to our youth in schools discussing choices, consequences and the impact of making the wrong choice
Everything we do is driven by the phrase “prevention is better than cure.” We believe going into schools, colleges, pupil referral units and other educational organisations allows us the opportunities, we can raise awareness for knife crime, provide support for young people , who may be vulnerable to peer pressure, we can also point children and parents in the right direction for appropriate support and more importantly talk about the ripple effects knife crime has on families, friends and communities.
The charity began by installing lifesaving emergency bleed cabinets across Greater Manchester.
We install them in key places across the city. Tragically, many lives are lost each year due to traumatic bleeding, some of which could be prevented by bleed control kits being accessible to the public – these kits provide simple to use equipment to stem bleeds until the emergency services arrive.
It is our mission to make these kits as available as defibrillators so the public can access them across England.
In 2022, we recognised that local people didn’t have a safe space around Fallowfield therefore we opened Mero’s World youth hub.
This youth hub opens twice a week, and we provide a safe space for young people from all different backgrounds: offering support, guidance, modelling how to resolve conflicts, encourage new hobbies and for the young people to form new bonds and friendships. During youth hub, we also offer workshops where the young people can develop life skills including first aid training and the opportunity to try new sports such as boxing.
We love providing experiences for the young people who attend so often go out on visits to activities in the local area such as bike tracks and a canoeing club.
More recently, we have opened our doors once a month as a safe space for grieving parents offering advice from a trained mental health nurse and a trusted space to share experiences with those who have also experienced loss.
Our Trustees
Kelly Brown - Founder
Kelly Brown is the dedicated founder and chair of Mero’s World Foundation, established in 2022 and officially registered as a charity ( 1199890 ). As a mother of two boys and with a background in education, including three years of experience managing after – school clubs, Kelly is deeply passionate about supporting and guiding young people towards a brighter future.
Through her foundation, Kelly is committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and adolescents, empowering them to overcome challenges and pursue their dreams. Her unwavering dedication to youth advocacy and education is a testament to her belief in the transformative power of compassion and mentorship.
Gaynor Holden - Trustee
I have been a trustee for Mero’s World Foundation since it was founded in August 2022. I have organised a charity event at a local community centre to raise money for a bleed cabinet and I have recently coordinated a charity football match at Radcliffe Football Ground to also raise funds for a bleed cabinet. My career background is in adult mental health and spans back 20 years. Due to my experience in mental health, I have a vest interest in supporting parents and families who have been affected by knife crime. In the future, on behalf of Mero’s World Foundation I would like to organise pampering sessions, mindfulness sessions, relaxation groups and to offer a listening ear to all those who have been affected by knife crime.
Deanne Lee - Trustee
My name is Deanne ( Neffie ) am a primary school teacher. A proud graduate of Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) who was inspired to pursue a career in teaching as it was apparent that I had a love and care in supporting and wanting to give children the best life possible. Prior to working in education, I trained as a Teaching Assistant, child minder and fostered a child. As a teenager I volunteered at the local playscheme achieving my first ever ST Johns ambulance First Aid certificate. In my younger years I loved athletics. I trained and ran for Salford Mets running club then moved onto Sale Harriers. My strengths were the 200m and relay. I also have a passion for acting / drama. For several years, I was a part of Contact Young acters company where I performed in plays and worked along directors learning the skills of being a director myself. In addition to this, I have also taken part in many performances at the Z Arts centre (Zion Centre )
Deanne Brown - Trustee
“We see it, we’ve lived it, and we’ll act on it to make a change”
The loss of Mero sparked a massive urge for not only understand, but for change too.
Currently studying Criminology & Psychology at Degree level, I have been able to delve deeper into trauma’s, society and the criminal justice system. Upon completion, I am confident that the skills and knowledge gained, can allow me to work more closely with young people who are showcasing the need for intervention. Being able to not only relate to young people, but also show compassion and a listening ear-will go a long way in the fight to eradicate knife crime.
Hayley Wright - Trustee
My name is Hayley. Inspired by Kelly’s sheer strength and determination, I was more than honoured to become a trustee of Mero’s World Foundation back in 2022, observing the devastation caused by an act of violence ignited a passion within me to support the fight for change and education around knife crime. Having worked within education for 22 years, I am passionate about working with younger children and providing them with tools they need to grow into well round members of society who can deal well with conflict, resist peer pressure and ultimately, be aware of the implications of their actions.