Life in Community C.I.C was founded in 2019 and incorporated in February 2020, after Kelly Cranston (founder) stepped down as Chair of Tibby Residents Association.
Born and raised on the Tibbington Estate, following the completion of her degree Kelly felt it was imperative to give back to her local community and help raise their aspirations. For over 10 years, Kelly and a team of local resident volunteers worked to improve the Tibbington Estate ("Tibby") in the Princes End ward of Tipton, delivering youth work, education and employment support, training and signposting for local people.
Kelly became increasingly aware that the structure of the TRA wasn't fit for purpose to access the resources needed to address the area's social issues. Frustrated by projects that "parachuted in" without ever addressing root causes, she used her local knowledge, experience and passion to recruit like-minded local people as directors of Life in Community, people passionate about transforming Princes End and the wider Tipton area.
Despite working locally, regionally and nationally, Kelly has always come back to her roots. Her roots in Princes End. 💜
Watch our video from 2022.
The people behind Life in Community
Pat Williamson, Director
Pat has lived in the Princes End area for most of her life and has volunteered for many years in Tipton and beyond, seeking to improve life outcomes in a deprived area with few community facilities and employment opportunities, but a great community spirit.
Having encountered disability and deprivation throughout her life, Pat is inspired to encourage, motivate and facilitate others to achieve their best. She believes strong communities are built on caring, respectful relationships where everyone is included and can try new things without fear.
Her volunteering spans youth and children's work, running parent-and-toddler groups, supporting a child with special educational needs, and serving as treasurer for her local Tenants and Residents Association. Professionally, Pat has worked in local high schools in SEN learning support and as a learning mentor, held NHS administrative roles, and worked for the local authority as a Local Learning Champion. A trained counsellor with skills in active listening, mentoring and financial management, her experiences reinforce her belief in the importance of "Life in Community."
Shaun Bailey, Director
Shaun served as Tipton's Member of Parliament from 2019 to 2024. As the town's MP, Shaun led several high-profile and successful campaigns to protect local services such as Tipton Police Station and Walker Grange Care Home. Shaun also secured £23 million in capital funding from the UK Government to regenerate the town.
After leaving Parliament, Shaun returned to the law and is set to qualify as a solicitor in December 2026. As a lawyer, Shaun advises businesses and charities on transactional matters and governance issues.
Shaun remains passionate about bringing out the best in Tipton. It was natural for Shaun to join the board, to support Life in Community as it seeks to change the lives of people across Tipton.
Michael Sailsman, Director
Michael Sailsman is a coach and researcher. He has a Masters in Coaching and Mentoring and is currently a PhD candidate at Oxford Brookes University. He has over 30 years' experience in youth and community development across the Black Country. Born in Brierley Hill and now living in Wolverhampton, he has dedicated his career to supporting people, strengthening communities, and creating opportunities for local people to thrive.
His experience includes youth work, place-based regeneration, employment support, community research, and developing local leadership, including supporting residents to progress into board roles. Michael brings an integrative coaching approach, combining reflective practice, lived experience, and academic insight, alongside a strong commitment to empowering Black Country communities.
With heartfelt thanks to Charlene Cotton and Sue Ho, who were part of the original team of directors of Life in Community.
Be part of the story
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