Who We Are

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Debra McNeill is the Care Director of the Deborah Project, in Coventry, bringing over 30 years of dedicated experience supporting women facing significant challenges and adversity. Throughout her career, she has worked tirelessly alongside those who are marginalised, offering compassion, practical support, and strong advocacy in the face of complex need.

Reverend Debra McNeill holds a BA (Hons) in Youth & Community and Applied Theology and was ordained in 2019. She ministers under Acorn International Ministries, integrating her faith with a deeply practical, person-centred approach to care. Her extensive work spans the fields of addiction, homelessness, domestic violence, and mental health support. She has also supported children and families within the education system, providing vital family support during times of crisis. In response to the growing need she has witnessed in Coventry, she founded The Deborah Project CIC. Through this initiative, women escaping domestic violence, transitioning from prison, experiencing homelessness, or facing mental health challenges are offered safe, supported accommodation and the opportunity to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.

Debra is deeply committed to creating environments where women feel safe, valued, and empowered. Her work is shaped by a steadfast belief in the inherent worth of every individual and a passion for seeing women move from crisis toward stability, and ultimately into lives of confidence, resilience, and renewed purpose.

Debra is married to Hugh McNeill, and together they have four children and eight grandchildren.

Hugh McNeill is the Grants Director for the Deborah Project, bringing with him a deep and enduring commitment to supporting those facing significant challenges. For the past 12 years, he has served as Project Manager of Coventry Foodbank, where he has worked tirelessly to address food insecurity and stand alongside vulnerable communities.

Driven by a profound compassion for “the lost, the last, and the least,” Hugh believes that justice is a vital foundation of a healthy society. He is passionate about ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to live a meaningful and dignified life. Central to his approach is a commitment to walking with people on a journey from crisis, through stability, and ultimately toward significance.

His work reflects both extensive practical experience and an unwavering dedication to creating lasting, transformative change.

Rajesh Bhairon has a successful background in analysis and finance . He has worked with organisations to grow in smart sustainable ways through clear planning, honest conversations and decisions built on trust and integrity.

Rajesh  is a faith driven professional who loves helping others find their way back to a better life- whether that's rebuilding confidence, healing from set backs, or stepping into a  new season.

 " For me it's about walking alongside people and creating a space where they feel safe seen and supported" he says.

Rajesh uses his background in analysis and finance and incorporates these skills into his work alongside his belief that real change starts with hope , grows through faith and becomes a strong community.