MESMAC in Bradford

I have worked for MESMAC since 2007. I have worked with individuals and communities that are most at risk of HIV, doing prevention and social support. I have also coordinated national HIV prevention programmes which include Testing Faith and Welcome Hear targeting faith leaders and newly arrivals respectively. I have vast experience of delivering training to various community groups which includes medical professionals, and have delivered presentations on national conferences which include HPE, CHIVA and NHVNA. I have passion for people and I try to make everything possible to help others have better lives.

Following a career in Advertising, Marketing and PR, I moved into the third sector in 2016, following a period of volunteer work with a London-based LGBTQ+ focussed Sexual Health & Well-being charity. Over the following years I strived to improve services for people accessing HIV prevention services, including testing, referrals for PrEP, STi information, along with sign posting into peer services for counselling and mentoring, plus supporting a respected Trans Empowerment Programme. Originally from West Yorkshire I returned to Bradford and joined MESMAC in March of 2024, where I continue to support people to achieve positive outcomes in their lives around sexual, mental and physical wellbeing. I take great satisfaction from being able to support communities in accessing the support and services they need, while reducing stigma associated with these issues. If you think we can help in any way please get in touch, we look forward to meeting you!

Hi I'm Char, your LGBTQ+ Community Development Worker for Mental Health and Wellbeing. I graduated in 2020 with a first-class degree in Young People, Community and Society Studies, after uni I went on to pursue my passions, reducing inequality, increasing LGBTQ+ and Neurodiversity Awareness and promoting creativity and mental wellbeing. I have always wanted to help others thrive and love that I am able to do a job that helps me do this. At MESMAC I help to run the LGBTQ+ Youth Group BLAGY, our mindful creativity group Mind Makers and I run a Queer Neurodiversity group for LGBTQ+ people who also experience neurodivergent conditions along with the complexities of managing their mental wellbeing at the same time. If you don't feel like a group is right for you I also offer some 1 on 1 support too and help educational establishments such as schools and colleges be more LGBTQ+ inclusive by delivering training along with workshops, training, LGBTQ+ drop in's and more. Check out the Living Well LGBTQ+ Awareness and Mental Wellbeing page for more information.

In my spare time I'm a freelance photographer and I play bass and sing in a DIY shoegaze/dream-pop band, make polymer clay jewellery and have a Staffy called Ziggy and a Giant African Land Snail called Smeegle.

My name is Marvis Olayemi, and I work as a Community Development Worker at Yorkshire MESMAC, Bradford office. I am passionate about supporting people, building trust within communities, and creating safe spaces where individuals feel listened to, respected, and valued.

My work focuses on community outreach, health promotion, peer support, and raising awareness around HIV, sexual health, and general wellbeing. I work closely with people living with HIV, women, migrants, Black and Minority Ethnic communities, and local community groups to help reduce stigma and improve access to support.

For me, community development is about meeting people where they are, listening with compassion, and helping them feel empowered to make informed choices about their health and wellbeing.