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Events Event Title Event Time Event Date Change the event description to include your own content. Adjust the settings to customize the style. April 2026 MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN

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

The Phoenix Way The Phoenix Way The Phoenix Way is a community-led initiative to improve socio-economic outcomes for Black & racially minoritised communities across the UK. Led by The Ubele Initiative and supported by Global Fund for Children, it is a grant-making initiative aimed at transforming Black and racially minoritised communities. It was established in partnership with six Regional Leads (Yorkshire & Humber, South West, North West, North East & Cumbria, Midlands and London & South East) and with the support of several new UK funders, including The Youth Endowment Fund and the Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales. Empowering Black and racially minoritised organisations through transformative funding and support The Phoenix Way is a community-led initiative to improve socio-economic outcomes for Black & racially minoritised communities across the UK. Led by The Ubele Initiative and supported by Global Fund for Children, it is a grant-making initiative aimed at transforming Black and racially minoritised communities. It was established in partnership with six Regional Leads: Yorkshire & Humber South West North West North East & Cumbria Midlands London & South East and with the support of several new UK funders, including The Youth Endowment Fund and the Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales. At Bridging Change, our intention is to build 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. We do this through the building of strong alliances, connections and networks.  We are working in partnership with The Phoenix Way to offer Black and racially minoritised-led organisations and groups training and support to make them stronger from within and to help them to thrive. Have a look at our free online Infrastructure training programme . For organisations in Kent and Brighton and Hove, we will also be organising networking events in early Summer 2026. Interested? To find out more and join our mailing list, contact: hello@bridgingchange.co.uk projects@bridgingchange.co.uk Find the upcoming Infrastructure training here: The next Infrastructure training date is the 29th of April 2026 Click here to find future dates. For more information contact: development@bridgingchange.co.uk

See our latest news here 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 Brid ging 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. Upcoming events Event Title Event Time Event Date Change the event description to include your own content. Adjust the settings to customize the style. April 2026 MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN What we do BUILDING ALLIANCES AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT At Bridging Change we are about relationship brokerage and building up agency in minoritised 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 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. At Bridging Change we are about: developing strong links with universities, think tanks and local organisations 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. TRAINING & WORKSHOPS We do this by: creating bespoke training for 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

UOK Rooted in Wellbeing Bridging Change have launched our Rooted in Wellbeing project as part of the UOK programme in January 2026. We run monthly drop-in sessions for the Black and racially minoritised community, a space where we offer a person-centred support and a place to connect with others and learn about activities and services that can help with improving your wellbeing. Sessions are every 2nd Thursday of the month. Our next sessions are (2026): 24th of May (11am-3pm) 11th of June (11am-3pm) 9th of July (11am-3pm) Venue: Conference Room, Community Base, 113 Queens Road, BN1 3XG For more information, please contact: riw@bridgingchange.co.uk or call 01273 234808/ 07395314944 Bridging Change now part of the UOK Brighton & Hove Relaunch offering free wellbeing support for adults  UOK Brighton & Hove has relaunched under a new contract with an expanded partnership of trusted local charities, community groups, and experts. Bridging Change is now part of the relaunch partnership. The aim of this partnership is to strengthen mental health and wellbeing support for adults across the city. Have you or a loved one ever felt overwhelmed and not sure where to turn for help? Do you work with someone who is seeking guidance or support? UOK Brighton & Hove is here to make that easier for everyone, offering free mental health support for anyone aged 18 or over living, working or studying in Brighton & Hove. Led by Southdown our new, expanded partnership brings together trusted local charities, community groups, and experts to connect people with practical advice, friendly activities, and tailored support – whether life feels tough, or you just want to feel better.  UOK brings together a wide network of organisations, making it simple to access useful information, join supportive groups, or get expert advice – including help with wellbeing, debt, benefits and more. For more information about the UOK programme please visit: Mental Health & Wellbeing Support in East Sussex, Brighton & Hove Interested in UOK: Rooted in Wellbeing? For more information about Rooted in Wellbeing contact: riw@bridgingchange.co.uk 01273 234808/ 07395314944

Events & 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. Join our team: PROJECT DEVELOPMENT WORKER for Brighton and Hove Black and Minoritised Ethnic Infrastructure Network Do you share a vision of a ‘by and for’ BME infrastructure for BME community groups and organisations in B&H? We are looking to recruit a worker who has a passion and commitment for building on this vision. The Project Development Worker will develop a BME infrastructure network to ensure BME groups and organisations can become sustainable, thrive and become more resilient by building on their strengths and skills as well as tackling the needs and gaps identified. To apply please complete the application form and Equality and Diversity monitoring form and send it to bridgingchange@outlook.com by 5pm on 21st January 2025 . Please note: there has been an amendment to the salary banding for this post. Project Development Worker Job Description Application form Equality and Diversity monitoring form Join our team: PROJECT SUPPORT WORKER for Brighton and Hove Black and Minoritised Ethnic Infrastructure Network Do you share a vision of a ‘by and for’ BME infrastructure for BME community groups and organisations in B&H? We are looking to recruit a worker who has the skills, passion and commitment in supporting the project development worker in the development of a BME infrastructure network. To apply please complete the application form and Equality and Diversity monitoring form and send it to bridgingchange@outlook.com by 5pm on 21st January 2025 . Please note: there has been an amendment to the salary banding for this post. Project Support Worker Job Description Application form Equality and Diversity monitoring form VCSE Alliance Newsletter July 2024 Bridging Change's very own Dr Anusree Biswas Sasidharan features in the July 2024 issue of the VCSE Alliance Newsletter. Read the newsletter here. Community Voices Group Upcoming meetings: Wednesday 22nd January 2025 Topic: Older People's Health and Wellbeing See the flyer here 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. Please email hellobridgingchange@outlook.com for more information . 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. If you missed it, catch it on YouTube Bridging Change Opinion 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 .

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

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 . 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. 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 . Men's Health Survey Report #CHANGE Bridging Change conducted a men’s health survey with Communities Health Inequalties Programme (CHIP) . The survey began with demographic questions and then followed with questions on access to GPs and dentists, mental and physical health, medication, exercise, eating habits, and community interventions. Read 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. Community Voices Group#CHANGE Community Voices Group (CVG) is a community forum set up to address inequalities experienced by people of colour in Brighton and Hove. It is led by Bridging Change in partnership with the Hanlgeton and Knoll Project and Sussex Interpreting Service Read the report here. NHS #CHANGE This report represents four workshops run across Brighton and Hove, East Sussex and West Sussex (Chichester and Bognor Regis) with Black and racialised minority individuals and groups. It gave an opportunity for NHS Sussex to meet with local communities to explain about some of the insights they have gathered over the last three years and the opportunity to hear about some of the issues, concerns, challenges and barriers that Black and racialised minority faced. Three organisations conducted the workshops: Bridging Change (Brighton and Hove), Diversity International Research (East Sussex) and VACC (West Sussex - Chichester and Bognor Regis) and each produced detailed reports explaining their findings. See below for the Bridging Change workshop report and recommendations Read report here . Women's Mosque Survey Report #CHANGE This survey was involved with... and aimed to understand women's views and perspectives at the Mosque around GP services, their accessibility, access to different forms of health information, and areas that respondents found particularly helpful. Read report here .

Other partnerships Introduction Soon to be updated.

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

How we operate Here are the policies that help us to operate. For more information, please contact bridgingchange@outlook.com "Click on any policy below to view the document" Financial Procedures Bridging Changes' Financial Procedures as a Community of Interest Company (CIC). Research ethics Bridging Change carries out research projects. Understand the ethical principles we uphold. Privacy and Data Protection Understand the type of personal information we collect, and how and why we collect it. Safeguarding Read about our commitment to safeguarding practices when we organise group activities in the wider community.