A local charity has announced that its founder and Executive Director will be stepping down at the end of the month to set sail with an international charity providing free healthcare and medical training in Africa.

Middleport Matters Community Trust has announced that Founder and Executive Director Amelia Bilson will be stepping down at the end of June 2026, following more than a decade leading the organisation's community-led work in Middleport, Longport and Dalehall, to take on a new role at Mercy Ships.

Following Amelia's departure, Mel Smith, the organisation's current Grants and Development Officer, will become Acting Executive Director from July 2026, supported by the existing staff team and Board of Trustees.

Amelia Bilson said: "Leading Middleport Matters over the last 10 years has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. When my family first moved to Middleport, I simply wanted to create a safer place for my children to grow up.

"I never could have imagined what that small Facebook group started in 2015 would eventually become.

"I'm incredibly proud of everything that has been achieved together — not just the projects and buildings, but the relationships, trust and sense of community that have grown over the years."

Since establishing the organisation in 2015, Amelia has played a central role in developing Middleport Matters from a volunteer-led grassroots initiative into a trusted multi-site local charity with a dedicated team of staff, volunteers and community partners.

The organisation supports residents each week through practical support, wellbeing activities, youth provision, social activities and community-led projects.

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A collage of Middleport Matters recent activities (image via Middleport Matters)

Middleport Matters also explained that they have helped to bring more than £2.3 million of funding and investment into the area over the past decade and has helped to secure and develop several important community assets, including the Community Hub at St Paul's Church, Harper House, Root 'n' Fruit Community Allotment and most recently The Block youth hub in Middleport Park.

Amelia added: "Middleport Matters has always been a collective effort involving residents, volunteers, partners and funders who care deeply about this community. I'm hugely grateful for all the support, encouragement and commitment people have shown along the way.

"Although stepping away is bittersweet, I feel this is the right time for a new chapter for our family. Middleport and the people here will always hold a very special place in my heart."

Following her departure from Middleport Matters, Amelia and her family will be preparing for a new chapter serving with Mercy Ships, an international charity that provides free healthcare and medical training in Africa.

While the setting may be different, the move reflects a lifelong commitment to serving others. Prior to founding Middleport Matters, Amelia spent three years volunteering with orphaned and vulnerable children in Bulgaria, experiences that helped shape both her passion for community development and her decision to serve with Mercy Ships.

Heather Sheldon, Chair of Trustees, said: "Amelia leaves an extraordinary legacy within Middleport and beyond. Her leadership, vision and determination have helped create an organisation rooted in compassion, trust and community empowerment.

"On behalf of the Board, I want to thank Amelia for the enormous contribution she has made over the last decade."

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"We are pleased that Mel Smith will be stepping into the role of Acting Executive Director. Mel has been an important part of the organisation's leadership and development in recent years, and the Board is confident the charity will continue to grow and thrive in the years ahead."

Middleport Matters explained that Mel Smith, who is set to become Acting Executive Director, has been a key part of the organisation's recent growth and development.

Over recent years, she has contributed to strengthening funding relationships, organisational development and long-term planning, while working closely alongside staff, trustees and partners across a wide range of projects.

One of the organisation's sites is the Root 'n' Fruit community garden (image via Nub News)

Mel said: "It's a privilege to continue building on the incredible work and relationships that Amelia, the team and the wider community have developed together over the years.

"Middleport Matters remains deeply committed to supporting local residents and strengthening our neighbourhood, and I look forward to working with the team, trustees, partners and community as we move into this next chapter together."

The organisation stressed that its focus remains unchanged - "working alongside the community to create a safe, welcoming and thriving neighbourhood, providing practical early help and support, and creating opportunities for people to connect and take part".

With the support of its staff team, trustees, partners and local community, Middleport Matters hopes to continue making a difference within the local community for many years to come.

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To find out more about Middleport Matters, visit the Facebook page here.