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COMMISSION ON RACE AND ETHNIC DISPARITIES' FINDINGS: BRIDGING CHANGE 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 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.

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. 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 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 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 . 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. 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 .

Contact Us Thanks for submitting! Submit Contact details: For Ageing Well: community@bridgingchange.co.uk For Climate for Communities: projects@bridgingchange.co.uk For CVG: hello@bridgingchange.co.uk For Infrastructure: development@bridgingchange.co.uk For Phoenix Way: directors@bridgingchange.co.uk For UK; Rooted in Wellbeing: riw@bridgingchange.co.uk 01273 234808/ 07395314944 For Phoenix Way: directors@bridgingchange.co.uk For any other queries : directors@bridgingchange.co.uk

Infrastructure Introduction This Infrastructure Project is a 'by and for' project that is run by and for BRM/BME community groups and organisations . The aim is to build robust support for existing vibrant BRM/BME community organisations to grow and thrive in the city. Several BRM/BME community group and voluntary sector organisations (with the support of Brighton and Hove City Council) have been working for two years to develop infrastructure support, leading to its launch in January 2025. Free training and network events The next Infrastructure training date is the 29th of April 2026 Find the future dates below. For more information contact: development@bridgingchange.co.uk Please also find past training here : The upcoming dates are: Wednesday 29th April Tuesday 26th May Thursday 18th June Thursday 24th September Newsletter Please see more about the BRM Network Newsletter for December 2025 here . Please also find past newsletters here : Reports and Useful Resources Background and history In this section, please find all the reports and presentations to give more background to this work. Out of these findings, some of the key support needs defined so far have been: Governance support (constitutional and trustee support and training); Funding, Monitoring and evaluation; Networking and partnership brokering. Communications; Finding venues and resources. Please let us know if you want this support or any other type of support in the getting involved form here . Reports and findings Brighton Hove BME CVS Infrastructure 05 12 24 BME CVS Infrastructure Network Findings Final CAG BRM CVS Infrastructure Support Presentation Final BRM CVS Infrastructure Options Appraisal External Resources Please find links to free additional external resources: Governance (click for more info) Fundraising (click for more info) Get involved Please take the time to fill in this form as you can tell us what you need and be part of this journey. Interested in Infrastructure? For more information about Ageing Well contact: development@bridgingchange.co.uk

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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 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 .

Resources Discover how we’re making an impact. Listen to our thought-provoking podcasts , read our latest reports , and stay informed about upcoming events and news . 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

Reports Brighton and Hove Brighton and Hove Brighton and Hove Brighton and Hove Decision makers (September, 2025) A report outlining how CVG works for Decision makers in the Council and NHS Read the report here. Community Voices (October, 2024) 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. 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. Vaccine Equity Project (June, 2022) 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. 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. Men's Health Survey Report (January, 2025) Bridging Change conducted a men’s health survey with the Communities Health Inequalities 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 the report here. Healthwatch report on digital technology among ethnic minority elders (May, 2024) 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 (March, 2023) 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. The NHS, COVID – 19 and Lockdown: The Black, Asian, Minoritised Ethnic and Refugee Experience in Brighton and Hove (September, 2020) 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. Sussex Sussex Sussex Sussex Sussex Bay Report (May, 2025) In this report, Bridging Change aimed to understand the priorities and issues that respondents faced around the coast. We gather views on a personal and collective level and also consider the wider concerns raised around accessibility, exclusion and overcrowding. Read report here. Reaching Out: growing our understanding of the researched (December, 2022) 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. Reaching Out: building relationships to increase research impact (December, 2021) 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. VCSE and NHS Sussex Workshop Report (September, 2024) 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 allowed NHS Sussex to meet with local communities to explain 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 minorities faced. Read report here. Adur and Worthing Councils Minority Communities Engagement Report (May, 2022) 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 who 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. It provides suggestions of processes of future engagement and ideas generated by the community we spoke to. Read the report here. Coming soon Coming soon Coming soon Coming soon Women's Mosque Survey Report 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.

Infrastructure Fundraising www.resourcecentre.org.uk/information/planning-a-funding-application Budgets for community groups , Bank accounts for community groups , Constitutions , Fundraising ideas and Writing a funding application . Responsibilities of Registered Charities Charity Reporting and Accounts

Climate for Communities Introduction Bridging Change are excited to be part of the Climate for Communities project. Funded by the National Lottery, the Trusting for Developing Communities have been awarded £1.3 million over a 3-year period to empower unrepresented groups in Brighton and Hove. Us along with the 17 other organisations, will understand our community’s challenges such as the increase cost of living and the health and wellbeing issues that people face. With our focus being on Black and racialised monitories (BRM), we’llassess how BRM groups are more likely to live in areas of high pollution, limited accesses to green spaces and poorer housing factors that amplify vulnerability to extreme weather, heatwaves and flooding. Furthermore, BRM are underrepresented in climate-decision making, meaning their specific needs are knowledge are often overlooked in policy responses and language barriers, economic marginalisation and experiences of racism can further limit access to information, funding or support in adapting to climate impacts. The results is a layered and systemic challenge that demands an intersectional approach to climate justice- one that centres equity, lived experience and meaningfulinclusion. The long-term vision of the project is for the city to become a thriving ecosystem of accessible, inclusive and impactful climate activity, with a green economy that brings communities together with public, private, education and voluntary sectors to ensure a just and equitable transition to a sustainable future. Linked projects: Sussex Bay (May, 2025) In this report, Bridging Change aimed to understand the priorities and issues that respondents faced around the coast. We gather views on a personal and collective level and also consider the wider concerns raised around accessibility, exclusion and overcrowding. Read the report here: Interested in Climate for Communities? For more information about Ageing Well contact: projects@bridgingchange.co.uk