Our Story: How Middleport Matters Began

This history has been written by founder Amelia Bilson to tell the story of how Middleport Matters developed from a simple Facebook page into a community anchor organisation. 

Middleport Matters began in 2015 with a simple belief: that local people should have a voice in shaping the future of their community.  

Years of regeneration uncertainty, housing demolition and the loss of local facilities had left many residents feeling disconnected from decision-making and, in some cases, from one another. Whilst investment was beginning to bring new homes and new residents into the area, there were few opportunities for people to meet, build relationships and work together to create positive change. 

I founded Middleport Matters after moving into Middleport and becoming increasingly aware of both the challenges facing the neighbourhood and the incredible potential that existed within it.  

I could see that there were many people who cared deeply about the area, but few opportunities for residents to come together, build relationships and influence what happened in their community. 

In September 2015, I created a Facebook page called `Middleport Matters` as a way of bringing people together and creating a more positive conversation about the area. At the time there was no organisation, no funding and no premises. What followed were months of conversations, door knocking and listening to local residents. 

Building trust was not easy. Many people had seen previous plans and consultations come and go without making a lasting difference. However, those early conversations revealed something important. Whilst people spoke about challenges such as environmental decline, anti-social behaviour and social isolation, they also spoke about their hopes for the future and their desire to be part of making things better. 

One of our first milestones was a community Christmas event in December 2015. It brought together residents who had often lived close to one another but had never met. More importantly, it helped create a small group of local people who shared a desire to improve the neighbourhood and were willing to get involved. 

Over the following months, we continued listening to residents and asking a simple question: what matters most to you? Those conversations shaped everything that followed and established a principle that remains central to our work today – local people should help identify priorities, develop solutions and play an active role in improving their community. 

In the early years, we organised community events, environmental projects, family activities, youth provision and neighbourhood improvement initiatives. We deliberately focused on responding to the priorities residents had identified rather than chasing funding opportunities. Instead of creating projects and then looking for people to participate, we listened first and sought funding to support ideas that had already come from the community. 

As the organisation grew, we formally established Middleport Matters Community Trust in 2018, creating a stronger foundation for future development. The following year, we secured funding for our first dedicated community hub. Having a permanent base transformed what we could achieve. It gave residents a visible and welcoming place to connect, access support, share ideas and become involved in community life. 

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2020, our community faced unprecedented challenges. Together with volunteers and partners, we adapted quickly to provide practical support, wellbeing checks and assistance to residents who needed help. It was a difficult period, but it also strengthened community relationships and reinforced the importance of local organisations rooted within the neighbourhood. 

Since then, Middleport Matters has continued to grow. We have developed and managed community assets including Root ‘n’ Fruit Community Allotment, Harper House, Community Hub at St Paul’s and The Block. We have expanded our programmes, strengthened partnerships and supported thousands of residents through activities, events, volunteering opportunities and community-led projects. 

None of this would have been possible without the commitment of local residents, volunteers, trustees, staff, funders and partners who have contributed their time, skills and support over the years. Partnership working has always been central to our approach, and many of our achievements have been made possible through collaboration with organisations and individuals who share our vision for the area. 

Since 2015, Middleport Matters has secured more than £2.3 million of investment into the community and evolved from a small resident-led initiative into a recognised community anchor organisation. Along the way, thousands of residents have participated in activities, events, volunteering opportunities and community projects, helping to improve wellbeing, strengthen relationships and shape the future of the neighbourhood. 

The buildings, funding, programmes and partnerships have changed over time, but the principles on which Middleport Matters was founded remain the same: listening to residents, building relationships, encouraging participation and believing in the strengths and potential of local people. As the organisation continues to evolve, community ownership and resident leadership remain fundamental to how Middleport Matters operates today.