We currently have 1 employee and 4 trustees.

Sarah McCarthy, Volunteer Placement Coordinator

Professionally, I come from a newsroom media background and over the years, I have been deeply affected by many of the issues that are facing so many people today. This, plus many learning experiences gained from travelling to many different countries, has led me to want to become much more involved in the VCSE sector and help make a change for the better in the local community. 

Personally, as someone who has struggled with my own mental health issues in the past, I now want to help others promote their own wellbeing through opportunities facilitated by MCoS. I look forward to being part of creating an environment for sanctuary seekers that enables an improvement in both their mental health and sense of belonging here in Manchester.

Kat Pursall, Interim Chair

I stumbled upon the voluntary and community sector over ten years ago almost by accident after a previous life in academia, and it has become my professional and personal spiritual home – marrying my beliefs, social principles and aspirations like no other place. I strongly believe in the power and ethos of this sector and cannot imagine working – paid or otherwise – anywhere else.

I have always been passionate about the plight of people seeking refuge and was inspired by the work of Amnesty International as a teenager – writing letters for them in an age without social media and from a country where these concerns were sadly never at the forefront of any meaningful thinking from any political parties.

I became an immigrant myself when I moved to the UK – mindful of being extremely lucky by comparison: privileged, white, heterosexual, able, educated, still in the EU. Throughout my working life in the voluntary sector I was able to help sanctuary seekers and get a better understanding of the obstacles they face, especially in the current hostile environment climate.

I made a conscious decision last year that I would want to use my professional skills to become a trustee, and was very conscious of the fact it had to be a cause that mattered to me on a deep level (there are plenty of causes and mission statements I endorse in my field), so I purposefully chose to be picky.  Waiting for the right opportunity certainly paid off … I could not be prouder to support the brilliant work and people of this organisation.

Mark Kingston

Hailing from the South West, I studied in Manchester and lived there for a number of years thereafter. I continue to have strong ties to the city, both family and football, visit very regularly and regard it as my second home. I initially became involved with Manchester City of Sanctuary at the end of 2020 and was delighted to become a trustee in February 2021.

I am a Chartered Accountant by profession, having spent my career in a variety of different industries, including hotels, motor trade, day visitor attractions and more recently insurance. Having both worked for and been a trustee for a charity previously, I have a good working knowledge of charity sector legislation, regulations and reporting requirements. I hope to bring my insight in financial matters to the role of Treasurer to ensure that MCoS continues to operate on a strong financial footing, enabling it to continue to provide its vital services to the sanctuary seekers that move to Manchester as part of starting a new life in the UK.

Jonathan Gilmore

Jonathan Gilmore is a lecturer in international politics at the University of Manchester. His professional work explores themes of civilian protection during wartime, human security and ideas of global citizenship. His support for Manchester City of Sanctuary comes as a natural extension of the values that inform his work as an academic and a desire to make a practical contribution to building a culture of welcome and solidarity for sanctuary seekers in our city.  He was on the steering group for the University of Manchester’s successful ‘University of Sanctuary’ application, and has also previously organised collaborative events bringing together academic researchers, activists and sanctuary seekers. 

Tandrima Muzundar

Since coming to the UK in 2017, Tandrima Mazumdar has been actively involved in social justice groups and campaigns for women, particularly migrant women. With lived experience of abuse and immigration control, she understands the obstacles to rebuild a life of dignity. Tandrima uses her knowledge of lived experience to further the cause of an equal society. 

Her own experiences with trauma and struggle with mental health support lead her to choose the path to passionately educate herself as a Psychotherapist. She hopes to bring about more awareness around women’s health issues, within the South Asian community, particularly and the migrant community on the whole. 

An Indian by birth and Mancunian by circumstances, she is the proud mother of two girls both in full time education. She enjoys, long walks with her girls as well as cooking with them. In her pastime she reads, writes and practises meditation. She likes meeting new people and learning new skills, She enjoys public speaking and is also a poet. 

Values: Compassion, Courage, Creativity.