top of page
in the image a metal cart attached to a bicycle. a woman wearing an orange apron while passing objects to a woman with two young women, who are looking at a book and a green vase in the background a park with trees and benches

People

Platt Hall is all about people. It’s about working together to deepen understanding, share experiences, explore challenges and contribute to making our neighbourhood and city a good place to live. Friends, neighbours, participants, volunteers, partners and staff all collectively shape the vision for Platt Hall’s future and make it a welcoming, creative place to be. 

Platt Hall brings people together from all walks of life, all ages, all different backgrounds and I think it’s amazing. When I enter here, I know this is a safe zone where I can be confident and comfortable.’ 

 

Healthy Lifestyles course participant 

THE STAFF TEAM

  • Platt Hall Lead

    ​

    I lead the team in developing this beautiful, quirky, complex place as a creative community space of relevance and purpose for the neighbourhood in which it sits. Balancing the need for preservation of its unique historic fabric with creating a sustainable future that will see it provide a place of safety and joy for generations to come.

    Liz profile.avif

  • Senior Learning Manager: Adults and Community (job share)

    ​

    With Meg, I oversee the strategic development of programmes to ensure that Platt Hall meets the needs of local people. The collections at Platt Hall provide endless opportunities for sharing stories and inspiration. This is Le Praxinoscope from 1880, one of many collection objects that we have used within our Health and Wellbeing programme.

    ruth profile.jpeg

  • Senior Learning Manager: Adults and Community (job share) 

    ​

    With Ruth, I oversee the strategic development of programmes to ensure that Platt Hall meets the needs of local people. The inside of the Hall has a uniquely calming and inspiring atmosphere. The garden and green space outside is a constantly changing landscape of people and nature. This window is where I sit and chat with the garden team over hot drinks and biscuits.

    meg profile.jpeg

  • Curator: Fashion and Dress 

    ​

    I support engagement around the fashion and dress collection and curate exhibitions in the Fashion Gallery at Manchester Art Gallery. At Platt Hall, I help to develop the collections as a resource to support colleagues and communities to deliver and take part in a range of programmes rooted in creativity, connection, expression, health and wellbeing.  

    1929-188_2_orig.jpg

  • Young People’s Engagement Co-ordinator 

    ​

    I work with local young people to engage them in the Hall, its collections and grounds, inspiring their creative interests and finding new ways to explore and address the issues that are most important to them and the local community. 

    michael profile.jpeg

  • Health & Wellbeing Coach (with Better Health MCR) 

    ​

    I support people to make positive changes which help them to live healthier and happier lives. This is through one-to-one coaching sessions and group wellbeing activities which use Platt Hall and the collections as a key resource.  

    arthur profile.jpg

  • Building Services Officer, Platt Hall 

    ​

    I am responsible for the security and maintenance of the building. I’m often the first person people meet as they walk through the front door to come to activities. I love the Dining Room because this is the room that is the nearest to how it was originally in 1763 and it screams opulence! 

    sam profile.jpeg

  • Garden Volunteer Co-ordinator 

    ​

    I look after the outside spaces around the Hall and keep the grounds and the park looking beautiful and welcoming. The garden volunteers give lots of time and energy and we collectively decide how the surroundings of the Hall grow.  

    dan profile.jpeg

  • Family Stay and Play Co-ordinator

    ​

    Coming soon...

    7153c3cc-b6a2-499d-a622-8635d0164647.jpeg
Platt Hall Lead

I lead the team in developing this beautiful, quirky, complex place as a creative community space of relevance and purpose for the neighbourhood in which it sits. Balancing the need for preservation of its unique historic fabric with creating a sustainable future that will see it provide a place of safety and joy for generations to come. 

details of a window and jamb with the sun reflecting the shadow on the wooden floor in the left corner a detail of a corner of a doll's house and plaster ruined by mold and cracks

THE PEOPLE WE WORK WITH

three middle-aged people on the left a woman with blond hair and blue glasses in the middle a taller man with a beard and a hat and on the right a woman with white hair and red glasses who is smiling
in the foreground a group of five people who are looking at a building in the background. from the left a man who has no shoppers at his side a woman who has a sheet of paper in her hand and on the right three women with their heads covered. in the background the Georgian building of Plat hall
in the picture an adult with a child in the act of gardening with three watering cans and gardening objects in the background a vegetable garden
a path through a wooded park with a person walking in the center

VOLUNTEERS

Our activities often extend further than we could possibly imagine, due to the energy, ideas, enthusiasm and passion of our volunteers.

BETTER HEALTH MCR

A primary care network with two local GP practices, The Robert Darbishire Practice and The Whitswood Practice. A not-for-profit social enterprise, BHMCR’s core values are ‘care’ and ‘curiosity’.  

SURE START

Sure Start Children's Centres are places where children under 5 years old and their families can access a wide range of support services and information including early education, childcare, health and family support.

FRIENDS OF PLATT FIELDS

A volunteer-run group, established over 30 years ago for the preservation, restoration, maintenance, and improvement of Platt Fields Park. Partnership work includes hosting meetings, planting trees and bulbs and maintaining orchards on the north side of the park.  

detail of a greenhouse with a person inside intent on transferring plants from pots
detail of a wall with a graffiti above that says We Love Trinity House with a heart in three colors: yellow, blue, pink.
detail of the main building of the University of Manchester with view from below detail of the Arch the inscription and two spires
7b63368a-473f-4467-84fe-506ccd4a031a_rw_1920.jpg

HEALD PLACE PRIMARY SCHOOL

Coming soon...

TRINITY HOUSE

A community resource hub in Rusholme which provides a safe accessible space to a diverse community. Trinity House offers access to vital services and support for local adults, carers, families and young people with issues such as housing, health, training and social engagement. 

THE UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER

PAUL HAMLYN FOUNDATION

Working towards a just future in which everyone, especially young people, can realise their full potential and enjoy fulfilling and creative lives.

sqaure green.png

Curious about Platt Hall?

We have a busy programme of activity at the Hall. However, we are not currently open to general visitors, as the building is not yet fully accessible.  

 

Find out more about the Hall’s development and how to get involved on the pages of this site. 

group of people around a small table looking at a piece of collection represented by a rolled-up cloth, a wicker basket, probably African, and an image of a painting depicting a tree

Get Involved

All the important information you need to know to be part of the programme at Platt Hall, from bespoke projects to weekly

drop-ins to seasonal Open Days.

​

Start Now
three young adults around a raised bed growing vegetables plants and flowers in the background the gate of the Plat Hall courtyard and the kitchen window

Programme

We run a rich programme of activities, developed in partnership with local groups and communities, that use creativity to support social connection, inclusion and belonging. 

Find out more
detail of a piece of fabric with a patchwork hexagonal honeycomb structure

Support

Platt Hall is a unique historic landmark and community resource. Support us to create a sustainable future for this beautiful building and the neighbourhood in which it sits.

Discover how
bottom of page