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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

Infrastructure Past training

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

Careers Bridging Change currently has no open roles, but we're always looking for passionate volunteers to support our work, If you're interested in getting involved, please reach out to us at: bridgingchange@outlook.com

BRIDGING CHANGE Bridging Change aims to create a more equal and diverse society with positive outcomes for Black Asian 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 Nora Mzaoui Founder Dr Anusree Biswas Sasidharan Founder Beth Harrison Project Coordinator Beth has worked in the community and voluntary sector for over twenty years in community development, information and advice, public involvement and English language teaching. She is a trained community development worker with a Masters in Applied Anthropology and Community and Youth Work. She has worked for a number of organisations including Brighton and Hove Black History, Age UK East Sussex, the Hangleton and Knoll Project and the National Institute for Health and Care Research, Applied Research Collaboration Kent, Surrey, Sussex. She is passionate about inclusion, diversity and equity with a particular focus on the Health and Education sectors. Rini Ghosh Finance Rini is a qualified ACMA (CGMA) accountant with several years of’ experience working for global charities and not-for- profit organisations concentrating in the International Development sector.. She works closely with external and internal business partners and stakeholders, and brings her 20+ years of financial management expertise to aide strategic decision making for senior management teams. She also helps organisations to implement their long-term financial plans and ensure that they align with the approved business strategies and objectives. She currently work as a finance business partner for an animal welfare charity concentrating on process transformation for effective financial reporting to help interpretation of financial information for project delivery. She also has experience of writing and submitting commercial funding proposals for all sizes of budgets and projects. Our Supporters

Podcasts Talk In Equality (Transcipts down below) Dr Anusree Biswas Sasidharan and Lillian Ndawula (Ethnic Minorities in Canterbury) explore, with guests, the role of research in addressing health inequalities experienced by minoritised ethnic groups. This series is funded by NIHR Applied Research Collaboration Kent, Surrey and Sussex and supported by the Research Design Service Southeast and Clinical Research Network Kent, Surrey and Sussex. The views expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the NHS, the NIHR or the Department of Health and Social Care. Episode 1: What do community development organisations think? In this episode, guest host Dr Gary Hickey from Agora Digital Centre at University of Southampton, quizzes Dr Anusree Biswas Sasidharan from Bridging Change, Lillian Ndawula from Ethnic Minorities in Canterbury and Patrick Nyikavaranda from Diversity Resource International. He asks them about their perceptions and experiences of health inequalities experienced by ethnic minority communities and their hopes for increasing the representation of people from ethnic minorities in both the participation and involvement in research. Click below to listen. Episode 3: A perspective from the Health Research Authority In this episode, Anusree and Lillian speak to Dr Matt Westmore, Chief Executive at Health Research Authority. They quiz Matt about the steps taken by the Health Research Authority to increase representation in research and the important role that community organisations can play. Click below to listen. Episode 5: A researcher's perspective In this episode, Anusree and Lillian speak to Dr Ibidun Fakoya, Senior Research Fellow at King’s College London. Ibi shares her experiences of undertaking research with people from ethnic minority communities, emphasizing the importance of developing relationships and the need to take a holistic approach to research rather than focusing on a single illness or condition. Click below to listen. Episode 2: What do funders think? A perspective from the National Institute for Health and Care Research In this episode, Anusree and Lillian speak to Jeremy Taylor OBE, Director of Public Voice at the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). Jeremy talks about the work the NIHR is doing to increase representation in research from people from ethnic minorities and the importance of engaging with communities and developing trust. Click below to listen. Episode 4: A perspective from the Academy of Medical Sciences In this episode, Anusree and Lillian speak to Simon Denegri OBE, Executive Director at The Academy of Medical Sciences. Simon speaks not only about what The Academy of Medical Sciences is doing to promote the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion agenda, but also developments in other countries. Click below to listen. Episode 6: Reflections In this final episode, Gary Hickey (Agora Digital Centre at University of Southampton) returns as a guest host to ask Anusree, Lillian and Patrick to reflect on their podcast journey, what still concerns them and what positives they can take from the guests they have spoken to. Click below to listen. Transcripts Episode 1 Episode 2 Episode 3 Episode 4 Episode 5 Episode 6

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.

Podcasts Talk In Equality Dr Anusree Biswas Sasidharan and Lillian Ndawula (Ethnic Minorities in Canterbury) explore, with guests, the role of research in addressing health inequalities experienced by minoritised ethnic groups. This series is funded by NIHR Applied Research Collaboration Kent, Surrey and Sussex and supported by the Research Design Service Southeast and Clinical Research Network Kent, Surrey and Sussex. The views expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the NHS, the NIHR or the Department of Health and Social Care. Episode 1: What do community development organisations think? In this episode, guest host Dr Gary Hickey from Agora Digital Centre at University of Southampton, quizzes Dr Anusree Biswas Sasidharan from Bridging Change, Lillian Ndawula from Ethnic Minorities in Canterbury and Patrick Nyikavaranda from Diversity Resource International. He asks them about their perceptions and experiences of health inequalities experienced by ethnic minority communities and their hopes for increasing the representation of people from ethnic minorities in both the participation and involvement in research. Click below to listen. Episode 3: A perspective from the Health Research Authority In this episode, Anusree and Lillian speak to Dr Matt Westmore, Chief Executive at Health Research Authority. They quiz Matt about the steps taken by the Health Research Authority to increase representation in research and the important role that community organisations can play. Click below to listen. Episode 5: A researcher's perspective In this episode, Anusree and Lillian speak to Dr Ibidun Fakoya, Senior Research Fellow at King’s College London. Ibi shares her experiences of undertaking research with people from ethnic minority communities, emphasizing the importance of developing relationships and the need to take a holistic approach to research rather than focusing on a single illness or condition. Click below to listen. Episode 2: What do funders think? A perspective from the National Institute for Health and Care Research In this episode, Anusree and Lillian speak to Jeremy Taylor OBE, Director of Public Voice at the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). Jeremy talks about the work the NIHR is doing to increase representation in research from people from ethnic minorities and the importance of engaging with communities and developing trust. Click below to listen. Episode 4: A perspective from the Academy of Medical Sciences In this episode, Anusree and Lillian speak to Simon Denegri OBE, Executive Director at The Academy of Medical Sciences. Simon speaks not only about what The Academy of Medical Sciences is doing to promote the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion agenda, but also developments in other countries. Click below to listen. Episode 6: Reflections In this final episode, Gary Hickey (Agora Digital Centre at University of Southampton) returns as a guest host to ask Anusree, Lillian and Patrick to reflect on their podcast journey, what still concerns them and what positives they can take from the guests they have spoken to. Click below to listen.

Infrastructure Past newsletters More can be found about December's newsletter here. More can be found about May's newsletter here. More can be found about July's newsletter here . Please see more about the BRM Network Newsletter for October 2025 here .

Meet The Team Founder & CEO Anusree Biswas Sasidharan This is your Team Member description. Use this space to write a brief description of this person’s role and responsibilities, or add a short bio. Tech Lead Ashley Jones This is your Team Member description. Use this space to write a brief description of this person’s role and responsibilities, or add a short bio. Office Manager Beth Harrison Beth Harrison is Project Coordinator at Bridging Change. She has worked in the community and voluntary sector for over twenty years in community development, information and advice, public involvement and coproduction. She is a trained community development worker with a Masters in Applied Anthropology and Community and Youth Work. She has worked for a number of organisations including Brighton and Hove Black History, Age UK East Sussex, the Hangleton and Knoll Project, the National Institute for Health and Care Research, Applied Research Collaboration Kent, Surrey, Sussex and Diversity Resource International. She is passionate about inclusion, diversity and equity with a particular focus on the Health and Education sectors. Product Manager Lisa Rose This is your Team Member description. Use this space to write a brief description of this person’s role and responsibilities, or add a short bio. HR Lead Kevin Nye This is your Team Member description. Use this space to write a brief description of this person’s role and responsibilities, or add a short bio. Customer Support Lead Rini Ghosh Am a qualified ACMA (CGMA) accountant with several years of’ experience working for global charities and not-for- profit organisations concentrating in the International Development sector.. I work closely with external and internal business partners and stakeholders, and bring my 20+ years of financial management expertise to aide strategic decision making for senior management teams. I also help orgs to implement their long-term financial plans and ensure that they align with the approved business strategies and objectives. I currently work as a finance business partner for an animal welfare charity concentrating on process transformation for effective financial reporting to help interpretation of financial information for project delivery. I also have experience of writing and submitting commercial funding proposals for all sizes of budgets and projects. Customer Support Lead Alex Young This is your Team Member description. Use this space to write a brief description of this person’s role and responsibilities, or add a short bio. Meet The Team Anusree Biswas Sasidharan Director I’m a paragraph. Double click me or click Edit Text, it's easy. Nora Mzaoui Director I’m a paragraph. Double click me or click Edit Text, it's easy. Beth Harrison Project coordinator Beth Harrison is Project Coordinator at Bridging Change. She has worked in the community and voluntary sector for over twenty years in community development, information and advice, public involvement and coproduction. She is a trained community development worker with a Masters in Applied Anthropology and Community and Youth Work. She has worked for a number of organisations including Brighton and Hove Black History, Age UK East Sussex, the Hangleton and Knoll Project, the National Institute for Health and Care Research, Applied Research Collaboration Kent, Surrey, Sussex and Diversity Resource International. She is passionate about inclusion, diversity and equity with a particular focus on the Health and Education sectors. Rini Ghosh Am a qualified ACMA (CGMA) accountant with several years of’ experience working for global charities and not-for- profit organisations concentrating in the International Development sector.. I work closely with external and internal business partners and stakeholders, and bring my 20+ years of financial management expertise to aide strategic decision making for senior management teams. I also help orgs to implement their long-term financial plans and ensure that they align with the approved business strategies and objectives. I currently work as a finance business partner for an animal welfare charity concentrating on process transformation for effective financial reporting to help interpretation of financial information for project delivery. I also have experience of writing and submitting commercial funding proposals for all sizes of budgets and projects. Anita Johal I’m a paragraph. Double click me or click Edit Text, it's easy. James Doe I’m a paragraph. Double click me or click Edit Text, it's easy. James Doe I’m a paragraph. Double click me or click Edit Text, it's easy.

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