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Ageing Well Gather and Grow A warm, welcoming multicultural space for those over 50, promoting healthy and informed ageing. We are have Gather and Grow drop-in sessions, a place to: Build friendships and strengthen networks a safe and positive multicultural space to connect Learn about ageing well and ask questions about what is available locally A welcoming space Get support with issues the effect you A safe space to meet racially minoritised people in Brighton and Hove Dates for Gather and Grow fall on the first Tuesday of the month: 2nd June 2026 7th July 2026 4th August 2026 1st September 6th October 3rd November 2026 1st December 2026 Interested in Ageing Well? For more information about Ageing Well contact: community@bridgingchange.co.uk

Infrastructure Governance Responsibilities of the Management Committee Roles of Officers (also available in Arabic ) Legal structures for community and voluntary groups Constitutions Charity Reporting and Accounts

BME Infrastructure The report from the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities has been deeply disappointing. This report after reflecting on the impact of education, community, health (including COVID-19), employment, crime and policing on minoritised ethnic people concluded that institutional racism does not exist. Bridging Change strongly disagrees with the validity of the findings, its conclusions and the "changing the narrative" motivation which has sought to undermine the experience of racism of minoritised ethnic people in Britain. Whilst reading the report we have chosen not to make a detailed response at this time, as the problematic framing of issues in the report are too extensive to broach here. However, this response will draw on a few of the report's findings. In every area the Commission examined disparity, they constructed imaginative ways to excuse racial or ethnic disparity, suggesting instead that they were due to factors such as: . . . living in a densely populated inner-city area, socio-demographic characteristics (deprivation and occupation) living in larger and multi-generational households. The report also blames poorer outcomes for Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic people with: poor and/or lone parenting; co-morbidities; counting methods or simply not liking the numbers. The report, for example, describes stop and search figures from Devon (where there are lower numbers of Black and Asian minoritised ethnic people, specifically Black people) as 'skewed' - but the fact remains, not liking the odds does not diminish simple mathematics. Suggesting that the 'national relative rate is not always accurate' at measuring stop and search rates is problematic, it appears in this report 'not always accurate' refers to when facts do not suit the Government's narrative. Whilst the report acknowledges the disparity of maternal deaths for Black (5 times higher) and Asian (2 times higher), it calls for using absolute numbers, as not to do so was 'unfair to expectant mothers everywhere'. Previous commentary have contextualised the figures in terms of per 100,000, in absolute numbers and/or disparity is attempted to diminish the significance and importance of disparity. It does not change the fact the Black women are 5 times more likely to die in childbirth compared to white women; Asian and mixed heritage women are almost 2 times likely more likely to die in childbirth than white women. Further, disparity in maternal health is symptomatic of negative outcomes faced by men, women and children from Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic groups, particularly those minoritised ethnic people who are not white. Using the highly divisive stereotype of 'model minority' as if this was an antidote to racism is a privileged and uninformed construction of meritocracy. This 'model minority' construction was pitted against other minoritised ethnic people who were constructed as living with family breakdown, being unprepared and demotivated to succeed, as were 'attitudes to integrate'. Both stereotypes are equally damaging in suggesting that one group of minoritised ethnic people are hapless whilst the other minoritised ethnic group simply floats through British life without barriers or experiencing racism. Outrageous still is the polling by British Future for the Commission who heralded their poll as 'encouraging' around perceptions on anti-Black prejudice, which asked respondents if they 'saw a lot' of prejudice against Black people. They asked people who were not Black if there were increased level of prejudice for Black people. The only people who can credibly pass comment on the Black experience of racism is Black people , how can any other ethnic group assume to know how racism is experienced by another ethnic group? The report is constantly looking for creative adjustments, reframing, excusing and attempting to undermine disparity for Black and Asian minoritised ethnic people. The report is outrageous in its findings, in its bid to 'change the narrative' and to conclude that institutional racism does not exist is astonishingly inaccurate, premised on creative, misleading evidence and lack academic rigour. At Bridging Change we will focus on the reality of instititional and systemic racism and move away from the Commission's misleading conclusion in its attempt to 'change the narrative'. We want to reclaim the narrative which acknowledges the impact of the 'hostile environment' and the disproportionately negative impact and outcomes for Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic people in the the UK.

Bridging Change aims to create a more equal and diverse society with positive outcomes for Black and minoritised ethnic people. We do this through the building of strong alliances, connections and networks. ABOUT BRIDGING CHANGE Bridging Change is an independent organisation with the intention of building strong, dynamic and successful Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic groups, communities, organisations, businesses and individuals that are empowered to flourish, free from inequality and discrimination. Bridging Change was established by Nora Mzaoui and Dr Anusree Biswas Sasidharan who met as fellow elected Community Works Reps, representing Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic communities in Brighton and Hove. They realised that there was a gap in support and representation of minoritised communities within the community, voluntary and public sector. Bridging Change want to fill that gap. They were driven by the belief that Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic organisations, groups, communities and individuals were strongest when they worked together to challenge systemic barriers. Bridging Change want to see a society where all individuals and communities have equal opportunities and feel valued and a sense of belonging in their locality. WHAT WE DO Bridging Change want to see a society where Black, Asian and minoritsed ethnic groups are able to flourish, be independent and empowered to be stronger organisations and communities. Our work falls into three main areas, building alliances, research and training. BUILDING ALLIANCES At Bridging Change we are about relationship brokerage and building up agency in Black, Asian and minoritsed ethnic groups and organisations, we do this by: facilitating spaces, events and networking meetings focusing on specific issues affecting Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic communities; co-producing workshops with the Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic communities and decision-makers to discuss, develop and design policy and recognising that social capital and agency amongst Black, Asian and minoritised groups, communities and organisations will see agents of change in our city. RESEARCH At Bridging Change, we are dedicated to ensuring that our work is evidence based, rooted on lived experience. As Bridging Change we are about: developing strong links with universities, think tanks, local organisations and councils to produce robust data and reports.; developing of a bank of resources for social action and influencing change and improving access to information and data for Black Asian and minoritised ethnic communities. FACILITATING CHANGE We do this by: working with organisations to create change, provide critical reflection and co-design programmes with communities creating bespoke training for Black Asian and minoritised ethnic groups to address topics or areas of interest and value providing bespoke equalities, diversity and inclusion training that is sector specific to support allies to examine their practices within their groups and organisations CONTACT BRIDGING CHANGE bridgingchange@outlook.com

Community Voices Group What is CVG? What is CVG? What is CVG? What is CVG? Community Voices Group Do you identify as Black, brown, Asian or from another language, ethnic or migrant community? Do you want to improve how public services are delivered locally? Do you want the chance to speak directly to representatives from the Council and NHS and get your voice heard? Members of the group attend meetings as individuals or as representatives of a community group they belong to. We meet monthly, either online or in-person, to discuss issues that matter to us and to talk to representatives from Brighton and Hove Council and NHS Sussex about how they can be delivered. Meetings Meetings Meetings Meetings CVG Meeting Update If you are from a Black and Racialised Minority group living in Brighton and Hove, Community Voices Group is for YOU. Our April meeting is the start of our Adult Social Care topic where you can speak about your experiences and issues in a safe space with other community members. To join - contact Beth Harrison at hello@bridgingchange.co.uk We look forward to seeing you there Reports Reports Reports Reports Decision makers (September, 2025) A report outlining how CVG works for Decision makers in the Council and NHS Read the report here. Bridging Change NHS Workshop (November, 2023) Bridging Change was awarded a grant by NHS Sussex to deliver a face-to-face, 2.5-hour workshop in November 2023 with racialised minority communities based in Brighton and Hove. The event's aims were two-fold: to close the community engagement loop by feeding back to communities and to engage with the local communities. Read the report here. Community Voices (October, 2024) Read the October 2024 report on CVG, which outlines our achievements, feedback from our members and the next steps. Read the report here. Become a CVG member Become a CVG member Become a CVG member Become a CVG member Interested in joining us? Contact Beth Harrison at Bridging Change, email: hello@bridgingchange.co.uk If you do not speak English and would like to be involved, email: laura@sussexinterpreting.org.uk or call 01273 234016 and leave a message in your language

Policies At Bridging Change, we are committed to promoting racial equality and inclusivity in all our initiatives. Our policies guide the way we work, ensuring that we maintain a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for everyone. They reflect our dedication to fairness, transparency, and accountability in all our operations and interactions. Equalities, equity, diversity and inclusion policy Click here for the file

OUR FIRST MEETING INTRODUCING BRIDING CHANGE Bridging Change hosted their introductory meeting on Zoom, which was well attended with 58 attendants. If you missed our session you can have a look at our presentation below to give you a flavour of what we spoke about. Please contact us if you would like to know more at BridgingChange@outlook.com

Reports Emergency Food Access Project This study describes the experiences of a small cohort of Black racialised minority (BRM) people in Brighton and Hove, who are accessing food provision in the city. Read the Emergency Food Access Research Project report here. My Life in Brighton A series of facilitated coffee mornings that, encouraged Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic people to discuss their experience of living and working in Brighton and Hove. Read the My Life in Brighton report here. Reaching Out: growing our understanding of the researched In 2022, Bridging Change conducted two, in person, workshops for Black Asian and minoritised ethnic leaders and individuals in Brighton and Hove. The workshops aimed to capture their experience of health and social care research including challenges, barriers and the benefits of working in partnership with researchers. Read the report here. Adur and Worthing Councils Minority Communities Engagement Report This report was produced on behalf of Adur and Worthing Council as a part of the Contain Outbreak Management Fund. It represents a snapshot of the lives of minoritised ethnic respondents that engaged with this project within a relatively short time span and before the 2021 census. The individuals and groups taking part were keen to share their stories, ideas and frustrations. This research is a starting point of a journey into engagement to connect with the minoritised ethnic communities of Adur and Worthing. It provides suggestions of processes of future engagement and ideas generated by the community we spoke to. Read the report here. Vaccine Equity Project A report providing a snapshot of 20 people who identified as Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic and who were able to share their experience of COVID-19 vaccines. Read the Vaccine Equity Project report here. Reaching Out: building relationships to increase research impact Since mid-2020, Bridging Change has been working with National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) partners in the southeast of England, along with community groups serving Black, Asian and minoritised communities. This led to the development of an online ‘Reaching Out’ event in June 2021. Read the report here. The NHS, COVID – 19 and Lockdown: The Black, Asian, Minoritised Ethnic and Refugee Experience in Brighton and Hove In July 2020, Trust for Developing Communities and five partners: Sussex Interpreting Services, Hangleton & Knoll Project, Voices in Exile, Network of International Women and Fresh Youth Perspectives, surveyed 310 people from Black, Asian, minoritised ethnic, refugee and migrant communities in Brighton and Hove to find out about their experiences of the NHS, Covid-19 and lockdown. Dr Anusree Biswas Sasidharan led the research which was funded by Sussex NHS Commissioners. Read the report here. Healthwatch report on digital technology among ethnic minority elders Bridging Change was involved in research in partnership with Healthwatch Brighton and Hove on ‘Understanding the use and attitudes of digital technology among ethnic minority elders in Brighton and Hove’. Bridging Change recruited and facilitated interviews and focus groups and aided with the development of the topic guide. The research was funded by the NIHR Clinical Research Network in Kent, Surrey and Sussex. Read report here .

Latest news Bridging Change are reflecting on the issues that impact Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic people in Brighton and Hove. Here you will find news, events we are organising as well as featured articles, publications and reports. 2026 news 2026 news 2026 news 2026 news Men's health meeting View More Speak with decision makers from UOK, NHS Sussex Mental Health services, Brighton and Hove City Council and Act on Cancer Infrastructure training update View More Receive free, interactive training sessions. This session will presented by Terry Adams on 20th of January 2026 ,10:30am to 12:30pm Transport In Style View More Click here to edit the text and include the information you would like to feature. 2025 news 2025 news 2025 news 2025 news Men's health meeting View More Speak with decision makers from UOK, NHS Sussex Mental Health services, Brighton and Hove City Council and Act on Cancer Transport In Style View More Click here to edit the text and include the information you would like to feature. Infrastructure training update View More Receive free, interactive training sessions. This session will presented by Terry Adams on 20th of January 2026 ,10:30am to 12:30pm

Bridging Change aims to create a more equal and diverse society with positive outcomes for Black and minoritised ethnic people. We do this through the building of strong alliances, connections and networks. ABOUT BRIDGING CHANGE Bridging Change is an independent organisation with the intention of building strong, dynamic and successful Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic groups, communities, organisations, businesses and individuals that are empowered to flourish, free from inequality and discrimination. Bridging Change was established by Nora Mzaoui and Dr Anusree Biswas Sasidharan who met as fellow elected Community Works Reps, representing Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic communities in Brighton and Hove. They realised that there was a gap in support and representation of minoritised communities within the community, voluntary and public sector. Bridging Change want to fill that gap. They were driven by the belief that Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic organisations, groups, communities and individuals were strongest when they worked together to challenge systemic barriers. Bridging Change want to see a society where all individuals and communities have equal opportunities and feel valued and a sense of belonging in their locality.

Meet the team What We Offer 01 Service Name This is a Paragraph. Click on "Edit Text" or double click on the text box to edit the content and make sure to add any relevant information that you want to share with your visitors. 03 Service Name This is a Paragraph. Click on "Edit Text" or double click on the text box to edit the content and make sure to add any relevant information that you want to share with your visitors. 05 Service Name This is a Paragraph. Click on "Edit Text" or double click on the text box to edit the content and make sure to add any relevant information that you want to share with your visitors. 02 Service Name This is a Paragraph. Click on "Edit Text" or double click on the text box to edit the content and make sure to add any relevant information that you want to share with your visitors. 04 Service Name This is a Paragraph. Click on "Edit Text" or double click on the text box to edit the content and make sure to add any relevant information that you want to share with your visitors. 06 Service Name This is a Paragraph. Click on "Edit Text" or double click on the text box to edit the content and make sure to add any relevant information that you want to share with your visitors.

Latest news 2026 news 2026 news 2026 news 2026 news CVG Meeting Update Following our meetings on Men's Health with our CVG members, we are in If you are from a Black and Racialised Minority group living in Brighton and Hove, Community Voices Group is for YOU. Our March meeting is focussing on the work we have been doing in 2025 and beyond, come and hear about what has happened with everything you have shared with us. To join - contact Beth Harrison at hello@bridgingchange.co.uk We look forward to seeing you there Launch of our new Gather & Grow Programme Our NEW Gather & Grow programme is a welcoming, multicultural space aimed at people aged 50+ from racially minoritised backgrounds. This space is an opportunity to make new connections, share experiences, ask questions about what is available locally and access local support. Launch of our new Rooted in Wellbeing Project On the 8th of January we will be showcasing our new project, where you can learn more about Bridging Change and meet with the team and other community members If you are interested, please contact: riw@bridgingchange.co.uk / 01273 234808 Men's Health Meeting Speak with decision makers form UOK, NHS Sussex Mental Health services, Brighton and Hove City Council and Act on Cancer Infrastructure Training Update Gain free, interactive training sessions led by Terry Adams. Gain practical skills and broaden your understanding for Board Members. Tuesday 20th January 2026- 10:30am to 13:30pm 2025 news 2025 news 2025 news 2025 news Men's Health A CVG event with Bridging Change Over the next three meetings, we will be covering a range of men's health-related topics (in October and November 2025 and January 2026) Our November meeting is on Wednesday 19th November 2025, 6pm-7:30 If you know of someone; partners, husbands, friends, who would be interested in attending, please pass on the flyer and contact: hello@bridgingchange.co.uk Souk it and See An Ageing Well event with Bridging Change Join our 'Souk' style day with stalls, celebrating health, wellbeing and culture. For more information contact: projects@bridgingchange.co.uk 01273 234808 Community Voices Group Older People's Health and Wellbeing Bridging Change, in partnership with the Hangleton and Knoll Project, Sussex Interpreting Services and the Trust for Developing Communities, invites you be part of the Community Voices Group, please click here for more information. We also have this information in different languages, please contact us directly about this. Previous news Previous news Previous news Previous news VCSE Alliance Newsletter Older People's Health and Wellbeing Bridging Change's very own Dr Anusree Biswas Sasidharan features in the July 2024 issue of the VCSE Alliance Newsletter. Read the newsletter here. Sewell Report Runnymede Responds Runnymede hosted a snap event to discuss the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities' findings and why it has failed to address structural and institutional racism in the UK. Read Bridging Change's response to the Sewell Report here. Brighton and Hove becoming an anti-racist city The council has pledged to be an anti-racist council. Brighton and Hove City Council has said that they will work in partnership with Black and Minority Ethnic people including council staff, residents and community groups to directly shape our anti-racism strategy through their lived experiences and diverse perspectives. You can find out more from their website .