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.
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
COMMISSION ON RACE AND ETHNIC DISPARITIES' FINDINGS: BRIDGING CHANGE'S RESPONSE
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 Black. Asian and 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 Black. Asian and 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.
NEWS & VIEWS
Bridging Change will be reflecting on the issues that impact Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic people in Brighton and Hove. Here you will find a collection of publications and reports . Check out some of our featured articles below..
SEWELL REPORTS: 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
The NHS, COVID – 19 and Lockdown: The Black, Asian, Minoritised Ethnic and Refugee Experience in Brighton and Hove
In July 2020, TDC 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.
You can read the full report here: The NHS, COVID-19 and Lockdown: The Black, Asian and Minoritised Ethnic Refugee Experience in Brighton and Hove
And you can find a summary of the report here.
Brighton and Hove becoming and 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.
CONTACT BRIDGING CHANGE
