Table of Contents
Highlights and News
Newsletter
Diversity Resource International
August 2026
Editor's Note
Diversity Resource International (DRI) C.I.C is a non-profit community interest company that supports ethnically diverse and migrant communities.
We work alongside communities and partners to turn lived experience into evidence, action and lasting change through community-led research, health and wellbeing support, training, engagement and collaboration.
These past 3 months have been reflective and full of new directions!
Thank you for joining us once more by reading our quarterly newsletter. Be on the look out to get to know more about the friendship bench pilot findings and how you can register for the opportunity to take part in the 12 week community interpreting course. You might also find some news faces, new funders supporting DRI’s work and some exciting news about a new partnership which took place through May, June and July 2026.
We can provide further information about the projects listed in this newsletter, so please don’t hesitate to contact us at commuinty@driorg.com.
Wishing you a happy read,
Nadia Koch
Digital Marketing Coordinator, DRI
Highlights and News
Welcoming Marcella Aldous-Brown as Service Manager
We’re delighted to welcome Marcella Aldous-Brown as Service Manager of Diversity Resource International.
In her new role, Marcella leads the operational and strategic delivery of all DRI activities, driving coordination and partnership across the organisation.
Marcella is a highly experienced senior executive with over 20 years’ leadership across the charity, public and community sectors. She is known for guiding complex, multi-site organisations through growth, transformation and change, while keeping a clear focus on people and long-term impact.
Throughout her career, Marcella has built a reputation as a thoughtful and trusted leader. She has held senior roles including Head of Operations at The Faith & Belief Forum and Assistant Director at The Conservation Volunteers, working closely with Boards and Executive teams to strengthen governance, financial sustainability and organisational resilience. Her leadership style is inclusive and values-led, with a strong commitment to safeguarding, equity and developing high-performing teams.
Marcella is particularly valued for her calm judgment, collaborative approach and ability to bring people together through periods of complexity and change. She is passionate about creating organisations where both people and ideas can thrive, and where impact is delivered at scale without losing sight of local communities.
Outside of her professional life, Marcella enjoys sea swimming, walking in the Sussex countryside with her family and their dog and spending time in her garden – interests that reflect her deep connection to nature and wellbeing, and which continue to inspire her work.
Welcome onboard Marcella!
Saying Farewell to our Services and Projects Manager, Tacye Turner
In May, we said a heartfelt farewell to DRI’s Services and Projects Manager, Tacye Turner, whose dedication has shaped our organisation since 2021.
Throughout her time at DRI, Tacye has played an instrumental role in strengthening our services, developing new projects and supporting the growth of our organisation.
Her commitment to improving opportunities for ethnically minoritised communities has been reflected in every aspect of her work, from building meaningful partnerships to ensuring that our programmes are delivered with care, professionalism and purpose.
Tacye’s collaborative approach, encouragement of colleagues and unwavering belief in community-led change have left a lasting impact on both our team and the people we serve. She has helped DRI grow not only in the range of services we provide, but also in the strength of the relationships we have built across Sussex.
Tacye left with these heartwarming words:
" Working at DRI has been deeply meaningful to me. I feel incredibly proud of what we have built together and of the work the organisation continues to do in supporting and empowering ethnically minoritised and migrant communities. Over the years, I have learned a great deal from each of you, and I am genuinely grateful for the trust, collaboration, humour, care, and resilience that have shaped my time here."
On behalf of everyone at DRI, we extend our sincere thanks to Tacye for her outstanding contribution over the past five years. We wish her every success and happiness in the next chapter of her journey.
A New Three-Year Partnership with BARCO
We are excited to announce a new three-year partnership between DRI and BARCO – The Black Anti-Racism Community Organisation CIC. Beginning in June 2026, this collaboration marks an important step forward in our shared commitment to supporting Black and global majority communities across Sussex.
The partnership brings together two organisations with a common vision of creating stronger, more connected communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. By combining our knowledge, experience and community networks, we will work together to develop new initiatives that promote inclusion, improve wellbeing and create more opportunities for local people to get involved.
One of the most exciting aspects of the partnership is the opportunity to expand the reach of the Sussex Friendship Bench programme. Together, DRI and BARCO will explore new ways to bring community-led mental health support into local events and encourage more people to become involved in training and volunteering. We will also work together to develop future projects that respond to the needs and strengths of our communities.
This partnership is about more than delivering activities – it is about building lasting relationships, sharing ideas and creating opportunities that have a positive impact for years to come. We are incredibly proud to be working alongside BARCO and look forward to seeing what we can achieve together over the next three years.
We cannot wait to share the projects, events and opportunities that will grow from this partnership and invite our communities to be part of the journey.
'We are super excited to collaborate with DRI. The synergy between us is crystal clear and the emphasis on mental health and wellbeing through the friendship bench initiative is the perfect way to kick start bigger impact on the comity we both serve. We are hosting the friendship bench at our annual flagship event The Brighton BASH Carnival and also later during our black History Month event. There are going to be many times where BARCO and DRI show up together’
"As a Director of DRI and a long-standing resident of Brighton, I am really pleased that we have signed a MOU with Barco dated 24th June 2026. The MOU reflects a shared commitment to improving mental health and reducing loneliness and isolation within the black and global majority communities. DRI looks forward to this being the start of knowledge sharing and joint initiatives that will support projects that will enhance our shared vision."
DRI receives three small funds to enhance our programmes
In the last 3 months, DRI received 3 separate funds to contribute to DRI’s growth.
Firstly, thank you to The East Sussex Mental Health Connection Fund for funding towards DRI’s Walking Roots project!
The programme will deliver seven inclusive 3 – 4km walks within the High Weald National Landscape. It supports ethnically diverse women who may experience barriers to accessing nature. Walks will be co-led by trained DRI walking leaders and a representative from Rainbow CommUnity CIC, who specialise in group work that builds supportive relationships and belonging in nature to reduce isolation.
Secondly, thank you to Arthur and Doreen Green Fund at Sussex Community Foundation!
The funding will help us build towards our Friendship Bench Sussex project – a feasible and culturally responsive mental health support model for ethnically minoritised communities in Sussex, strengthening local capacity where traditional care often fails.
Lastly, we’re delighted to have received a grant as part of the community grants programme from Lewes Town Council!
The grant will also help us strengthen our volunteer programme. Our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do, dedicating their time and skills to support our beneficiaries. This funding will enable us to provide better training and resources to ensure they can continue making a positive impact in our communities.
Get Involved
Level 3 Community Interpreting Course
Starting in September 2026, the Level 3 Community Interpreting qualification is aimed at individuals who are fluent in English and another language and looking for a new career opportunity to use their linguist abilities and support people in their community.
This 14-week online course leads to a nationally recognised certificate that is accredited by Ascentis. You will be able to help people who speak the same language as you but need support for everyday situations that require them to speak and/or understand English.
Would You Like To Do Community Outreach To Support Our Work?
- Movement Fund (Eastbourne): Tai Chi sessions for older ethnically minoritised women. We’re looking to reach people who are not already connected with DRI and have funding available for outreach work.
- Carer Support Groups (Hastings): We’re hoping to increase attendance at our unpaid carer groups, particularly by engaging Arabic, Russian/Ukrainian and Cantonese-speaking communities.
- Women’s Walking Group (High Weald): We’re looking to connect with interpreters based around Haywards Heath, Burgess Hill, Horsham or Battle who have an interest in supporting community walking activities.
- Macmillan Care Grant: We will be recruiting bilingual safety advocates in Brighton, Eastbourne and Hastings to support people affected by cancer. We’re particularly interested in hearing from interpreters with experience or an interest in cancer support, as well as understanding the most in-demand community languages in each area.
- REN Community Health & Wellbeing Workshops: DRI will be delivering community workshops across East and West Sussex and is looking to build a network of interpreters to support outreach and attend the sessions.
Walking Roots - 19th September 2026
The Walking Roots project, funded by the High Weald Nature and Community Fund and Mind in Brighton and Hove, is running from April to October 2026 and is delivering seven eco-systemic walking sessions across towns in the High Weald National Landscape.
The project supports ethnically diverse women who may experience barriers to accessing nature.
Led by qualified therapists and experienced walking leaders, the walks combine gentle exercise, mindfulness, and storytelling to help participants reconnect with nature, improve mental well-being, and build confidence in outdoor spaces. Through shared experiences in the landscape, the project also aims to foster friendships, cultural exchange, and a stronger sense of belonging in the High Weald.
Peace Survey
On behalf of the Lewes Active Peace Group and Lewes Climate Hub, we are inviting people across Sussex to take part in this short survey about what peace means in everyday life. In the context of recent events across the country and in our region, we want to better understand how people are experiencing safety, belonging, and freedom- both individually and within their communities. We are interested in a wide range of lived experiences and perspectives.
This survey is not about judging views or promoting a particular position. Its purpose is to listen, reflect, and learn, so that community‑led efforts to strengthen peace, dignity, and coexistence in Sussex can be better informed.
Quarterly Spotlight
Friendship Bench Sussex Pilot Findings
On 21st May, in partnership with Brighton and Sussex Medical School, DRI hosted a stakeholder webinar to share the findings from the Friendship Bench Sussex Pilot 2025.
We had 36 attendees – public health representatives, Sussex based organisations, Benchers, Benchees and NHS representatives.
The event marked an important milestone in the development of community-led mental health support for ethnically minoritised communities across Sussex.
Read Our Newest Report:
Our Friendship Bench Sussex Report is out now!
This 5 page easy-to-read summary highlights the key findings from our pilot programme.
<– Click to read
DRI is calling on partners, funders and community advocates to recognise the impact of community-led mental health initiatives and help secure the future of the Friendship Bench project in Sussex.
Whether you are a community member, partner organisation, researcher or simply interested in innovative approaches to wellbeing, we encourage you to explore the report and get in touch to see how you can get involved.
Friendship Bench Sussex at BARCO Bash
DRI was delighted to take part in BARCO Bash 2026 in Brighton, where we introduced visitors to the Friendship Bench Sussex project and celebrated the successful completion of its pilot and evaluation. The event provided a fantastic opportunity to share the project’s impact with the wider community and raise awareness of the importance of accessible, community-led mental health support.
Throughout the day, around 10 people took part in a Friendship Bench experience, sitting down for a relaxed 30-minute conversation with one of our trained team members. The project is designed to offer structured, one-to-one support in trusted community settings, helping to improve mental wellbeing before challenges reach crisis point.
The feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive. Many spoke about not feeling judged, enjoying the setting of the conversation, and even wishing the sessions could be longer!
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to BARCO for inviting us to be part of such a vibrant community celebration.
Walking Roots Brings Women Together in the High Weald
Between May and July, DRI was delighted to host three Walking Roots Women’s Walks.
All made possible through funding from the High Weald National Landscape and Mind in Brighton and Hove.
On 6th May, the walk was held in the beautiful surroundings of Chelwood Gate.
Twelve women took part in the walk, representing six different ethnic backgrounds. The session was led by ecosystemic psychotherapist Shaila Sheikh, who gently guided the group through the stunning landscape while encouraging reflection, conversation and mutual support.
On 19th June, the walk took place in Ardingly Reservoir near Haywards Heath.
Thirteen women from a range of ethnic backgrounds joined the walk, creating a welcoming and supportive environment where new friendships could flourish. The walk was led by family ecotherapist Chiara Fortina Santin, who guided participants around the reservoir while encouraging mindfulness, conversation and a deeper connection with the natural world.
In July, the event took place in the beautiful surroundings of Mayfield.
We were delighted to welcome 13 women from 10 different ethnic backgrounds and five towns across the High Weald landscape and surrounding areas. Following the walk, everyone gathered at a welcoming café on Mayfield High Street for complimentary refreshments.
Attending the Mayor Making Reception
On the 27th May 2026, our director, Barabara Harris, attended on behalf of DRI the Mayor Making Reception, held at Lewes Town Hall. The Reception was to thank many of the organisations who make a special contribution to Lewes.
After the Mayor, Adrian Moss, gave a short speech thanking his supporters, deputies and attendees, Barbara was introduced to the Coat of Hope. This coat has had a journey of over 1600 miles, with thousands of people from around the UK sewing patches relating to their hopes, remembrances and prayers for where they live. The Mayor then had the coat placed upon him and did a ceremonial walk around the Assembly Room.
DRI Supports East Sussex Carers Voices Conference 2026
In June, DRI was pleased to attend the 2026 East Sussex Carers Voices Conference, held as part of Carers Week. The event brought together unpaid carers, community organisations, healthcare professionals and decision makers from across East Sussex to celebrate carers’ experiences and explore how support can be strengthened for those who care for family members and friends.
As part of our contribution, DRI helped create a presentation highlighting the wide range of Care for the Carers activities and events we have supported. The slideshow celebrated the importance of providing welcoming, inclusive spaces where carers can connect with others, access wellbeing activities and find the support they need.
DRI also hosted a stall in the conference marketplace, giving attendees the opportunity to learn more about our work with ethnically minoritised communities and the community wellbeing programmes we deliver across Sussex. Visitors were able to speak with our team, discover our ongoing events and find out how to get involved in future activities.
The conference provided a valuable opportunity to strengthen relationships with partners, share ideas and ensure that carers’ voices remain at the heart of service development. We are grateful to the organisers for bringing together such a diverse range of organisations and individuals committed to improving support for unpaid carers.
Celebrating One Year of Partnership with BMECP
This May marked a special milestone as DRI celebrated the first anniversary of our partnership with the Black and Minority Ethnic Community Partnership (BMECP). Over the past year, this collaboration has strengthened our shared mission of supporting ethnically diverse communities across Sussex through inclusion, empowerment and community-led action.
Although DRI and BMECP have each spent many years serving communities across the county, our partnership has enabled us to work even more closely together. By sharing knowledge, building on each other’s strengths and connecting people with the services that best meet their needs, we have been able to create a more joined-up approach to supporting our communities.
A key focus of the partnership has been ensuring that people can easily access the right opportunities. The Digital Marketing Coordinator at DRI, Nadia, and Community Engagement Officer, Obi, met to discuss opportunities to amplify each other’s activities and cross promote.
Moreover, DRI has been grateful to be invited to the funders event on the 16th July, which bridged the gap between funders and BME-led community groups and making funding more accessible for all. DRI director, Barbara, Services & Projects Coordinator, Anna Impact Lead, Aabha and 2 volunteers, Ruby and Nadia, all attended this event.
As we celebrate our first year of collaboration, we look ahead with excitement.
DRI Away Day
In July, the DRI team enjoyed a productive Away Day in the beautiful city of Chichester, taking time away from our usual routines to reflect, reconnect and plan for the future. The day focused on reviewing our vision and mission, celebrating what has been achieved, and exploring how we can continue to grow and strengthen our impact across Sussex.
Through collaborative discussions and group activities, the team shared ideas on the opportunities and challenges ahead, considered how we can continue delivering meaningful support to our communities, and explored our long-term ambitions for the organisation. The day also provided valuable time to reflect on DRI’s future priorities and how we can continue building a sustainable organisation that responds to the changing needs of the communities we serve.
Just as importantly, the Away Day gave colleagues the chance to spend time together, strengthen relationships and enjoy a change of scenery in a truly beautiful location.
A special thank you goes to our Director and Co-founder, Mebrak, for arranging the location to host such an enjoyable day. And a big thank you to our Service Manager, Marcella, for organising the event and ensuring it was both inspiring and rewarding. Everyone appreciated the opportunity to come together in such a wonderful setting.
Thank You to Our Volunteers!
Over the past three months, we have been delighted to welcome two new volunteers to the DRI team, and we are excited to introduce them to our community.
"My name is Nadia Rehahn. I am a postgraduate from the University of Sussex with an LLB Law with Politics (Hons) and a Master’s in Management and Finance. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with family, meeting up with friends for coffee, creative writing and reading. I chose to volunteer at DRI because of my positive experience working with international students from my Master’s year. I enjoy engaging with international communities, and working with DRI gives me the opportunity to do so again. So far, I’ve been helping DRI with their fundraising efforts by investigating funding opportunities whilst assessing their eligibility for potential grants. These experiences have been invaluable, as I’ve developed a deeper understanding of DRI’s work and mission, while learning about the significance of funding in the third sector."
"My name is Ruby Hamlyn. I have just graduated from the University of Sussex with a Bachelor of Arts and Humanities Degree in American Studies. During my studies, I completed a Semester abroad at Penn State, where I majored in History and minored in Gender Studies, whilst being Social Secretary for Women's Hockey and a Course Representative. Alongside these studies, I love to be creative and play sports. I also love spending time with my family and friends, swimming in the sea and dancing! I chose to volunteer at DRI to contribute to this fundamental work for migrant and refugee communities and to gain an understanding of the charity and the charity sector in general. The opportunities DRI has given me have been so, so beneficial; everyone has been so welcoming and helpful, and has made me really feel part of the organisation, and I am very excited for the future. I am currently helping in the fundraising sector of DRI, which includes helping at events like the July 2026 BARCO Bash with the Friendship Bench Initiative and attending a conference at the BMECP Centre."
Since joining DRI, both volunteers have already made a valuable contribution to our work, bringing enthusiasm, fresh ideas and a willingness to support our projects and the communities we serve. Thank you for all the hard work you continue do!
If you are inspired by their stories and would like to make a difference in your community, we’d love to hear from you.
Partner Updates
⏰ Time: 5:30pm – 7:30pm
📍 BMECP Centre and Online
🗓️ Duration: 10 weeks
Starts: 1 October2026
Time: 10:00am – 2:00pm
BMECP CentreAnnouncement
✅ Recycling and packaging awareness activities
✅ Composting and food-growing sessions
✅ Cooking with surplus food
✅ Food sharing initiatives
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/universityofsussex2/2324620
Our Team
Mebrak Ghebreweldi
Founder, Director and Facilitator
Barbara Harris
Director
Moitree Banerjee
Director
Marcella Aldous-Brown
Service Manager
Aabha
Community Research and Impact Lead
Dr Mudasir Amin
Research Coordinator
Anna Wang
Projects and Services Coordinator
Nadia Koch
Digital Marketing Coordinator
Alejandra González
Community Interpreting Course Coordinator
Aaron Clarke
Consultant and Facilitator
Nadia Rehahn
Volunteer
Ruby Hamlyn
Volunteer
Contact Us
- Website: www.driorg.com
- Phone, Message or WhatsApp: 07586 340 592
- Email: community@driorg.com
Follow us on social media:
Special Thanks
