Advice Team Manager and Senior Community Practitioner

Farheen Hussain

Farheen joined MECC Trust in 2016 as a volunteer, supporting appointment bookings and outreach work. With a degree in Sociology and Criminology, she developed a strong understanding of inequality and the challenges affecting people's finances and housing.

After completing specialist training in benefits, debt, and welfare advice, she joined the team full-time and became one of MECC's most experienced advisers.

Farheen leads on MECC's Energy Cafés, supports the delivery of the Household Support Fund and Warm Homes programme, and helps manage the busy advice service behind the scenes. She is also passionate about women's health and wellbeing and has introduced wellbeing practices for staff.

Outside of work, she enjoys baking with her young son and dreams of travelling the world when time allows.

Adviser

Tsige Yoannes Nguse (Hannah)

Hannah (Tsige) started as a volunteer and is now a much-valued member of the MECC Advice Team. She supports residents with welfare benefits, energy advice, and the Household Support Fund, while also helping newly arrived community members settle into life in Birmingham.

She speaks Tigrinya and Amharic, making her a trusted and accessible adviser for many within the community.

Outside of work, Hannah enjoys long walks, reading good books, and relaxing with her favourite reggae music — often with a few dance moves along the way.

Adviser

Bilan Abdi

Bilan began her journey at MECC as a volunteer, helping advisers by booking appointments and supporting daily operations. After completing her training, she became a valued member of the MECC team.

She speaks Somali and plays an important role in supporting the Somali community, especially individuals facing language or cultural barriers. Bilan manages reception, carries out initial triage, and supports clients into the right services.

She also provides one-to-one advice on housing and benefits.

Outside of work, Bilan enjoys swimming, reading, and painting with friends.

Adviser

Tesfay Teweled

Tesfay started with MECC as a volunteer, supporting advisers and working closely with Eritrean and refugee communities. Having arrived in the UK as an asylum seeker, he was passionate about helping others who were experiencing isolation and hardship.

After receiving training through MECC, Tesfay now provides energy and benefits advice and leads on the Get Fit and Cycling activities.

He speaks Amharic and plays a key role in supporting Eritrean, Somali, and wider local communities.

Outside of work, Tesfay is a dedicated runner and cyclist. He has completed in half marathons, achieved 3rd place in the Great Birmingham 10K, and trains with Birchfield Harriers athletics club.

Adviser

Rubina Akhtar

Rubina joined MECC after working at a Children's Centre and brings extensive experience supporting families and young people. She speaks English, Urdu, Punjabi, and Hindko, helping make advice services more accessible for local communities.

She is a qualified adviser and accredited energy adviser, supporting residents with benefits, debt, and energy-related issues.

Rubina's strong community connections and cultural understanding help many residents access support they may otherwise struggle to receive. She is also passionate about helping disadvantaged young people access training and employment opportunities.

In her spare time, Rubina enjoys baking and dreams of travelling the world while discovering new desserts along the way.

Advisor / Walk Leader

Khaled Hazem

Providing advisory support and leading community walking groups to promote wellbeing and active lifestyles across local neighbourhoods.

Senior Advisor

Gawaher Aldubai

Providing strategic advice and cross-cultural community liaison, supporting MECC's outreach to diverse Birmingham communities.